This game followed the pattern of so many others this season as a bright opening by Lowestoft faded, with no luck going in their favour.

The Blues named the same line-up that had beaten Burgess Hill in the last Ryman Premier game, Canvey though are an evolving outfit with three new players in and one out this week.

Lowestoft though started the better, with Ryan Jarvis flashing across the face of goal. Chris Henderson and Rory McAuley both tested home keeper Lewis Moore and it was not until the 15th minute that the Gulls tested the Trawlerboys defence, when Mitch Gilbey sent a vicious free-kick narrowly wide.

A great chip over the back four by Fisk released Henderson who seemed destined to score until a magnificent tackle from John Mbamarah robbed him at the last moment.

Canvey took the lead very much against the run of play.

George Sykes, who was a thorn in Town's defence all afternoon superbly brought the ball down and squared it to Gilbey who shot straight at Jamie Waite, with the ball appearing to take an awkward bobble and squirm through the keeper's arms and into the net.

An enthralling first half ended with chances at both ends with Ryan Jarvis shooting over the top at one end and Harry Barker heading off the line at the other.

Lowestoft survived a goalmouth scramble early in the second period with Canvey seeing four goal-bound efforts blocked in a matter of seconds, two by defenders and two by excellent Waite saves, but their luck ran out shortly afterwards when Chatting's cross saw Sykes' header superbly pushed onto the top of the crossbar but drop down inches in front of the goal to be bundled into the net by Sykes.

A third goal came six minutes from time when a quick counter saw Sykes run clear before unselfishly squaring the ball to Martin Tuohy to shoot past Waite, and McAuley was also shown his second yellow with four minutes remaining.

Canvey Island: Moore, Eyong, Pitty, Lawson, Mbamarah, Sheehan, Gilbey (Dumas 80), Mugabo, Sykes, Tuohy, Chatting (Jomanday 90), Subs not used: O'Rawe, Warren, Hayden-Smith.

Lowestoft Town: Waite, Barker, Smith (Bammant 61), Fisk, Cole, McAuley, Henderson, Rossi Jarvis (Hodd 77), Reed (Forshaw 84, Ryan Jarvis, Blake-Tracy, Sub not used: Jessup.

Referee: Mr A Williams

Attendance: 212