CANVEY Island fought back from two goals down against all the odds to claim a 2-2 draw at Soham Town Rangers.

The Gulls were 2-0 down when goalkeeper Harry Newcombe was shown a straight red card.

And although captain Sam Collins had to deputise in goal following the dismissal, Ryan Charles and George Sykes found the back of the net to snatch a share of the spoils.

The hosts took a 21st minute lead when Gary Cohen met a Callum Russell corner to head home.

Sykes came close to notching an equaliser before the break as Josh Pope’s attempted clearance ricocheted off the striker before hitting the side netting.

The home side doubled their advantage on 62 minutes.

Matt Allan spotted Newcombe slightly off his goalline and lobbed the goalkeeper, who got a slight touch on the effort but could not keep it out.

During the celebrations, Newcombe was shown a straight red card after headbutting Russell.

Substitute Charles gave Canvey hope as he headed home a deep cross with 14 minutes still to play.

Fellow substitute Mitchell Gilbey then hit the base of the post as time was running out for Danny Heale’s side.

But the late pressure paid off as Sykes, who had an effort cleared off the line just a minute earlier, reacted first to Pope spilling George Craddock’s long range effort to level.

Canvey Island: Newcombe, Pitty, Dumas, Craddock, Sheehan, Warren, Merrifield, Collins, Sykes, Cole (Gilbey 66’), Nesbitt (Charles 66’)