CANVEY Island maintained their position at the Isthmian North summit after a late penalty from Mitchell Gilbey ensured a 3-2 win over AFC Sudbury.

George Craddock and Ryan Charles were also on target for the Gulls, with Alfie Carroll and Ollie Peters hitting back for Sudbury.

Danny Heale’s side went in front inside eight minutes.

Craddock’s thumping effort from a Gilbey corner struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced back out, but the linesman confirmed the ball had crossed the line.

But Sudbury were not to be behind for long as Carroll’s header found the back of the net to get the visitors back on level terms nine minutes later.

Canvey regained their advantage on 35 minutes following another Gilbey corner.

Charles slid home from close range after Elliott Warren’s header had been blocked on the goal-line.

The home side made a good start to the second half, with Gilbey and George Sykes - who netted a hat-trick in the win over Witham Town last time out - both being denied.

Sudbury should have equalised after 55 minutes when a low ball across the face of goal from right-back Sam Mills found fellow full-back Jake Colclough in a great area, but his first time shot from close range went over the crossbar.

Sykes and Gilbey continued to cause problems for the Sudbury defence, with goalkeeper Paul Walker being kept on his toes as the Gulls looked to extend their advantage.

However, the away side were able to peg Canvey back for a second time early in stoppage time as Callum Watson played Peters in behind Jerrome Sobers, and his looping shot caught the wind and went across goal into the top corner, leaving Newcombe with no chance.

But there was more drama to follow as Canvey were awarded a 98th minute penalty after Ben Hunter was adjudged to have brought down Steve Sheehan.

Gilbey stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal the three points.

Canvey Island: Newcombe, Pitty, Dumas, Craddock, Warren (Sobers 47’), Sheehan, Merrifield, Collins, Sykes, Gilbey, Charles