Canvey Island 3–1 Grays Athletic

(Allen 31’, Sykes 33’, Merrifield 90’: Campbell 29’)

From the Frost Financial Stadium

Ryman Premier League

CANVEY Island came from behind to defeat bottom side Grays Athletic and claim their fourth consecutive win.

Nathan Campbell fired the visitors ahead, but goals from George Allen and George Sykes turned the game on its head.

Frankie Merrifield scored with the last kick of the game to secure all three points.

Gulls boss Danny Heale was delighted to see his side get the better of their Essex rivals.

Heale said: “I was pleased to see us score two quick goals after going behind.

“Six or seven weeks ago we would have rolled over but we’ve got a different mindset now.

“Everyone is pulling in the right direction and we are getting the rewards for it now.

“To win four games in a row in any league is a great achievement. We have done that now but we know it’s not over yet.”

Campbell latched onto a Barney Williams knock down and was allowed to turn in the penalty area before beating Gulls goalkeeper Conor Gough.

But an unmarked Allen headed home a Ryan Blackman corner.

Blackman, who was stretched off in the second half with an ankle injury after a late challenge by Campbell, then caused chaos in the Grays penalty area with a corner that Sykes poked home.

Merrifield wrapped up all three points when he found the top corner after a Mitch Gilbey pullback in stoppage time.

The win sees Canvey climb four points clear of the drop zone.

Canvey Island: Gough, Adelowo, Dumas, Merrifield, Allen, Sheehan, Oyeleke (Agyakwa 24’), Blackman (Lawson 69’), Sykes, Thomas (Curran 90’), Gilbey