Canvey Island 1-3 Folkestone Invicta

(Friend OG 76’: Draycott 30’, Cornwell 34’, 90’)

From the Frost Financial Stadium

Ryman Premier League

By Dan Thurogood

CANVEY Island's relegation troubles intensified as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Folkestone Invicta.

A 30-yard free-kick from Ian Draycott and a scrappy finish from Miles Cornwell put the away side two goals up before a Liam Friend own goal gave Canvey a foot hold. Cornwell added his second and Folkestone's third in stoppage time to seal the points.

And Canvey boss Danny Heale felt the result was harsh on his side.

"The result really flattered them as I felt we should have been three up before they scored," he said. "There’s nothing you can do about the free-kick but the other two goals are soft to be honest.

“We’ve had a blatant penalty turned down but that’s what happens when you’re down at the bottom. We’re fighting for our lives and have to keep believing.”

The away side could have been ahead after just 90 seconds, but Phil Starkey's effort was well saved by goalkeeper Conor Gough.

The Gulls slowly came back into the match and had a decent chance to equalise through Mitch Gilbey, but his strike from the edge of the penalty area went just wide of the near post.

Simon Thomas was kept out by away goalkeeper Tim Roberts but a moment of brilliance from Draycott gave the away side the lead.

His 30-yard free-kick beat the wall and flew past Gough who had no chance.

Cornwell made it two not long after. Jordan Wright's low cross along the six yard box found the midfielder and he bundled the ball over the line.

Gilbey was denied by Friend's brilliant goal line clearance but they were to pull a goal back.

A long ball over the top was misjudged by Roberts. He slipped and a combination of Jay Curran and Friend saw the ball over the line.

The home side cranked up the pressure in search of the equaliser but it wasn't enough as Cornwell wrapped up the result.

He beat the offside trap and, after his initial effort was saved, pounced on the rebound to score.

Canvey Island: Gough, Adelowo (Curran 71’), Dumas, Merrifield, Allen, Sheehan. Gilbey (Oyeleke 59’), Blackman, Sykes, Thomas, Chatting (Agyakwa 59’)