CANVEY Island returned to winning ways as they got the better of Hendon 3-1.

The Gulls had struggled in recent times and were looking for a morale boosting result.

The hosts felt they should have been given a penalty after 12 minutes when Tony Stokes was seemingly pulled down inside the box, but nothing was given.

Hendon were struggling to break through a resilient back-line and it was Canvey that took the lead.

Omarr Lawson crossed and Stokes scored on the half hour from close range.

And one became two when Jack Simmons pounced on a defensive mistake to race through, round the keeper and score.

But Hendon pulled one back on the stroke of half-time, with Casey Maclaren netting with a header.

Canvey got the third 14 minutes from time as substitute Martin Tuohy crossed for George Sykes to volley home.

In the Ryman North, an impressive first-half display saw Bowers & Pitsea brush aside Romford 5-0.

Bowers started brightly and could have taken the lead inside the first five minutes. In-form Shomari Barnwell burst forward but his strike only rippled the side-netting.

Alfie Hilton struck off target before James Thomas scored the opener straight from a corner.

Barnwell made it two with a powerful curling drive with only 20 minutes on the clock.

Two became three when Lewis Manor fired between the goalkeeper’s legs.

Barnwell got a late fourth before Martyn Stokes a fifth to complete a fine evening.

Great Wakering couldn’t build on Saturday’s win as they were beaten at home by VCD Athletic.

Wakering went 1-0 down on the half-hour mark, with speed merchant Robbie Rees netting the opener.