Horsham extended their good run of form in controversial circumstances at a bitterly cold Essex afternoon. Just a week after a disputed penalty had helped see off the challenge of Hastings United, the Hornets found themselves on the right end of another contentious refereeing decision after Claude Seanla's 16th minute opener was allowed to stand despite Canvey's protests for handball and the luck continued when Craig Bradshaw produced a late penalty save to ensure that it was a happy return back round the M25 for John Maggs and his side.

Not that the Hornets weren't due their good fortune, as Maggs was quick to point out. "After the FA Cup defeat at Tooting, I really don't feel we've had the rub of the green. We lost our goalkeeper, picked up some very nasty injuries, and just about everything seemed to go against us. That's why I'm delighted with the way we've come back. We look the business at the moment. We've become a very solid unit but I always said that I had faith in the boys. Our defence is looking really solid. We've got some real six footers in there, which is intimidating to opposing forwards, and having Lee back from injury gives us a huge boost in the midfield and the front two are working very, very hard indeed. If we've had some lucky breaks then I think we've deserved them."

Carney's inclusion, in place of the the injured Gary Charman, was one of 2 changes to the side that had drawn at Hendon in midweek, with Steve Sargent lining up alongside him in the midfield and Steve Davies stepping down to the bench. Canvey, up to 3rd in the Ryman Premier Division following their fine 3-0 win at Maidstone United, brought in full-back Frankie Everett for Andrew West while 14 goal James Rowe provided the attacking threat up front.

Horsham kicked off at a windy Brockwell Stadium where supporters might have feared another dull encounter to match that at Hendon on Tuesday night as the opening exchanges offered just a couple of free kicks and an offside. The game seemed to spark into life when the impressive Seanla made an instinctive run down the right flank and hit a dangerous low cross into the Canvey penalty area. This was cleared by Chris Moore for the Gulls but more was to come from the ever improving Hornets.

Jack Page, who is becoming a revelation playing back in his favoured midfield role, made another dangerous darting move down the right to latch onto a Carney through ball. With the ball apparently heading out for a goal-kick, Page's determination saw him manage send an out-swinging cross into the Canvey 6 yard box where Seanla darted in at the far post to bundle the ball home. Canvey's players were convinced that Seanla had handled the ball into the net but a similar indiscretion from a home defender directly before the goal was scored may have played its part in Mr Butler's decision to allow the goal to stand as the former Spurs striker notched up his 12th of the season and the Gulls' Kevin Dobinson picked up a yellow card 3 minutes later for progressing the argument with the man in the middle.

Horsham continued to press and forced two corners in quick succession as they began to take control of the game. But the Islanders soon showed why they are 3rd in the league as the tables turned towards the end of the half. Craig Bradshaw showed why he has become Maggs’ new number 1 choice with some confident handling and long goal kicks as the Hornets looked for the counter attack.

They almost succeeded with an impressive break in the 30th minute, Jack Page playing a good one-two with Carney and finding Alex Haddow in space on the left. His first time shot looked like he’d sent the ‘keeper the wrong way but James Russell was equal to his effort, saving confidently with his legs.

Canvey continued to push for the remainder of the half, however their only real chance fell to Jay Curran whose shot was superbly blocked by a lunging leap by the ever impressive Ben Andrews.

H/T Canvey Island 0-1 Horsham

Curran's disappointment was forgotten within 2 minutes of the restart when he claimed the hosts' equaliser. A dangerous corner sucked Haddow off the near post as Sam Page's header cleared the danger but the ball fell back to Greg Cohen who drilled in a low cross towards the penalty spot where Curran obliged to find the gap created in the Hornets' goal and the match was level once again.

It wasn’t to last long though as, 7 minutes later, Canvey ‘keeper Russell was put under pressure from his centre back's overhit back pass. Russell couldn’t quite get hold of it, only managing to clear low into the middle of the park and into the path of Carney who picked the ball up and took a couple of touches before unleashing an absolute thunderbolt from 25 yards which sailed into the top left corner.

The majority of the remainder of the game was to be played in Horsham’s half as Canvey pushed for their second equalizer, Rowe testing Bradshaw from distance which was well held by the new signing, and Rob King hitting a sweet left footed shot from the edge of the box which sailed agonizingly wide for the Islanders. Richard Halle also tried his luck from distance but his shot was also off the mark, shooting over the Horsham crossbar.

Bradshaw's impressive goal kicks were always looking dangerous and one in particular nearly paid dividends when Pat Harding capitalized on the attack minded centre backs, only to pull his shot just wide of the left upright when through one-on-one with Russell.

More Canvey pressure ensued, Rowe again forcing a terrific one handed save from Bradshaw. Andrews also showed his prowess at centre back, appearing everywhere to thwart the Gulls' attack and making some great interceptions and last ditch challenges which were to prove pivotal in the Horsham victory.

Canvey had a fantastic chance to level the game once again when they were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game. The impressive Bradshaw made a rare error in felling Rowe on the edge of the 6 yard box and referee Butler acted on the advice of his linesman before pointing to the spot. Curran stepped up but his attempt was weak and down the middle as Bradshaw got down to his left to make immediate amends by holding on to the shot.

The home fans seemed stunned at what was to be the Islanders' last attempt of the match. Whilst mounting much pressure, the Canvey players' heads seemed to drop and any other efforts on goal were long and hopeful.

Chorus’ of ‘blow your beast’ was heard from the Horsham faithful and the referee duly obliged to the delight of the travelling contingent. Up to fifth now, and a fantastic gritty team display from the lads, however many will be thinking is our luck due to run out?

NEXT MATCH: v Horsham YMCA (h) Tuesday 8th December ko 7.30pm