CANVEY Island’s rotten run at Rookery Hill continued as they lost there for the fourth successive season, going down 1-0 to a plucky East Thurrock United.

David Bryant netted the winner on the stroke of halftime to send the home fans home happy for the second time in four days.

Canvey started the game at a fast pace, Victor Osobu’s strike stinging the palms of David Hughes but the hosts grew into the game and it was tricky forward Lewis Smith who had their first decent effort, forcing Minter into a good save at his near post.

Reece Harris went close before Emmanuel Osei tested Minter but it was on the stroke of half-time that the hosts took the lead and it came from a swift counter-attack.

Osobu burst down the left and appeared to have his shirt tugged by Connor Witherspoon but it wasn’t given and the ball was played upfield to David Bryant. The winger jinked past Ashley Dumas and slid the ball left-footed past Minter.

Canvey came out rejuvenated in the second half and could have had a penalty after John Sands tumbled in the box, but the referee was unmoved. Seconds later Anthony Thomas saw his looping shot deflected onto the crossbar.

John Sands thought he had found the equaliser after his header found the net but the assistant raised his flag but the Gulls’ best chance to equalise came and went when Jay Curran sidefooted wide from on the penalty spot.

Elsewhere, Concord lost 2-0 at Ebbsfleet having lost Jack Lampe and Steve King to injury in the first half.

They could have led when Jordan Chiedozie hit the crossbar but the hosts won it thanks to two goals in the last 20 minutes.

Billericay went down 2-1 at Leiston, having took the lead seconds after the break. Ricky Sappleton netting his first of the campaign, but they were dragged back with 15 minutes to go and an injury time equaliser ensured Town went home empty handed.

Great Wakering Rovers thought they had secured their first point of the season against Brentwood Town when, having fallen behind to an Alex Akrofi strike,  Billy Radley equalised with minutes to go.

But back came Brentwood and Akrofi struck in injury time to frustrate Wakering boss Dan Trenkel against one of his former clubs.

Bowers & Pitsea romped to a 4-1 home win over rivals Hullbridge Sports to give Rob Small his first win in charge.