CANVEY Island stayed second in the Essex One Premier League after beating Millwall 41-12.

Canvey knew only a victory would maintain their push for promotion.

But coach Jay Breading was left suffering mixed emotions after seeing centre Jason Lansley sent off late on.

“It was an excellent performance marred only by Jason’s sending off,” said Breading.

“We all know it was unintentional but it means he will miss our last home game which is obviously disappointing.”

Canvey’s win was their fourth in succession since losing away at Millwall in mid-February.

But they were forced into making a late change to their starting line up when fly-half Jon Edwards aggravated a back injury during the warm up which moved the whole back division in one and hooker Scott Floyd going onto the wing.

However, the Islanders’ forwards were still able to lay the foundations for an excellent performance, feeding the sharp backs with solid ball.

As a result, Charlie Clarke was able to put them in front with a try he also converted before also adding a penalty.

The visitors hit back with a converted try of their own to cut Canvey’s lead to 10-7 before Clarke made another break which resulted in full-back Steve Hassan sprinting through to score.

Moments later, Clarke and Dave Dennis combined to create another try for Hassan which put Canvey 20-7 in front at half-time.

After the break, Millwall hit back with an unconverted try but Canvey then began to get back on top which led to flanker Jack Gillingwater touching down.

Clarke added the extras before doing likewise after tries from Dennis and Brett Smith.

But the shine was taken off the result late on when Lansley was red carded for a dangerous tackle.