CANVEY Island ended a run of four consecutive defeats by claiming a 1-0 win at Romford.

The Gulls travelled to East Thurrock United’s Rookery Hill home looking to return to winning ways after a wretched run of form.

And Mark Bentley’s side were were able to triumph thanks to a late winner from Frankie Merrifield, which was enough to overcome the Isthmian North’s bottom side.

Martin Tuohy nearly grabbed the opener after a goalkeeping error from Harry Aldridge.

The Romford custodian should have easily gathered a Canvey cross, but Aldridge dropped the ball at the feet of Tuohy only to divert the effort around the post.

Aldridge also fumbled the resulting corner and Zack Littlejohn should have profited from six yards out, but the central defender’s scuffed strike was eventually cleared.

Gulls shot-stopper Harry Palmer tipped a long range Malaki Toussaint attempt over the crossbar before making another fine save to keep out a Danny Cossington header.

Canvey midfielder Ade Cole, who has made a promising start to his time at the club, saw an effort curl just wide of the target after being fed by Merrifield midway through the first half.

Merrifield was the next player to try his luck, hitting the side netting after a fine flowing move involving Littlejohn, Tuohy and Jordan Brown.

Palmer made a superb diving save to stop Romford taking the lead on the half hour mark.

A low cross found Reece Hewitt and the Boro man’s close range effort looked destined for the back of the net, but Palmer got down quickly to frustrate the hosts and keep the game goalless.

Romford captain Cossington then headed a free-kick wide when left unmarked by the visitors, who were low in confidence after suffering four consecutive defeats before the trip to Rookery Hill.

And Boro were handed another opportunity when Marlon Agyakwa’s wayward header inadvertently put Khadean Campbell through on goal.

The frontman attempted to round Palmer, but the goalkeeper was down quickly once again to smother the ball.

Canvey nearly caught Romford on the counter-attack as Cole broke away before slipping in Tuohy, but the striker’s snapshot was beaten away by Aldridge.

Littlejohn nodded a Ryan Melaugh free-kick high and wide as both sides made a quiet start to the second period.

James White was denied a winner when his goalbound drive was blocked on the line with 15 minutes to play.

Substitute Adam Vyse then headed an Agyakwa corner inches wide of the target from six yards out before nodding another corner over the crossbar minutes later.

It looked as though the match was going to end goalless, but the Gulls were to snatch the points as the match ticked into the 90th minute.

A fine cross from Vyse was expertly flicked home by Merrifield and Canvey were able to celebrate a return to winning ways.

Canvey Island: Palmer, Osifuwa, Brown, White, Warren (Collins 46), Littlejohn, Agyakwa, Cole (Vyse 70), Tuohy, Merrifield, Melaugh (Gilbert 70)