CANVEY Island recorded just their second win in 11 attempts at Ram Meadow as the Gulls sealed a 1-0 victory over Bury Town.

Sam Bantick grabbed what proved to be the only goal of the Isthmian North contest.

Former Basildon United defender Darren Phillips made his Canvey debut and Emmanuel Idem was between the sticks as Lamar Johnson was ruled out through injury.

And boss Mark Bentley was pleased to see a reaction after suffering back-to-back defeats against Tilbury and Hullbridge Sports.

“We worked really hard in training on Monday and Thursday,” said Bentley.

“A lot was said after the defeat to Hullbridge because we know, as a collective, the performance was not good enough from anybody.

“Things had to be done and I had to make a few decisions.

“I was fortunate to bring in another player who will bring a different balance to the side.

“We also brought a goalkeeper in at the last minute because we lost Lamar earlier in the week.

“We had to be men and it was a proper man’s performance against a very good side.

“Bury move the ball very well on a tricky pitch but we limited them to very few chances.

“Credit to my boys. We have turned that corner for one game.”

Johnson picked up an injury in training and - on the morning of the trip to Bury - Bentley signed former Macclesfield Town goalkeeper Idem, who has recently been on trial at Premier League side West Ham United.

Phillips also joined the Park Lane outfit less than 24 hours before the contest after recently leaving neighbours Basildon following a brief second spell with the club.

The only goal of the encounter came eight minutes after the break as Bantick notched his fourth goal since arriving at Canvey by slotting into the bottom corner of the net.

Captain James White then struck the post with a long range free-kick as the Gulls came close to putting daylight between the two sides.

Idem made a stunning double save to deny Ryan Stafford and Ross Crane from close range in the third minute of injury time.

And Bentley was full of praise for his players.

“I’m very happy with how the players dug in,” added Bentley, whose side are 10th in the standings and five points adrift of the Isthmian North play-off places.

“Ryan Melaugh had not played many minutes but completed the full 90 minutes.

“Darren Phillips had his first game, was solid as you like and looked like he has been here for months.

“We also had a goalkeeper between the sticks who doesn’t know anyone and has just come in from West Ham.

“He hasn’t played at this level before and probably doesn’t want to be at this level, but he pulled off a massive save for us in the last minute.”