CANVEY Island suffered a narrow 22-20 defeat at home to Millwall in London Three Essex on Saturday.

The Islanders missed a last-gasp conversion which would have seen the game end all square.

But the Islanders’ director of rugby Perry Sansom was happy with how his side conducted themselves against a Millwall team sitting second in the standings.

“It was an excellent performance from the team, especially when you consider we had a few players out injured,” said Sansom.

“I’m happy that our systems are now really beginning to work and I am confident that games like these are definitely games we will win in the second half of the season.”

Millwall - who sit just two points behind league leaders Basildon - started brightly and raced into a 15-0 lead which they kept until half-time.

Despite the difficult start, Canvey kept their cool and got back into the game at the start of the second half when fly-half Jon Edwards intercepted a pass before teeing up the lively Alfie Justice to score.

The Islanders were now forcing Millwall into making even more mistakes and Edwards soon intercepted another pass which led to winger Jason Lansley touching down.

Moments later, Canvey completed the comeback when a try from Sam Tape made it 15-15.

But Millwall soon hit back to regain the lead when a high kick forward was collected for a try to be scored and crucially converted.

A determined Canvey immediately replied with winger Jack Chandler scoring his second try of the game in the corner.

But the resulting conversion was missed as Millwall clung on to secure victory and keep Canvey fifth in the table.