Canvey Island’s disappointing start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat against Aveley at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium.

On a warm, sunny Bank Holiday Monday in front of a 400 plus crowd, a close contest was decided by a goal deep into injury time.

Canvey made a superb start opening the scoring on 10 minutes.

Shaun Mavididi broke clear of the Aveley defence. His initial shot was saved by Joe Wright with the loose ball falling to Charlie Stimson who had his effort blocked on the line by a defender. Eventually the ball fell to Chris Regis who calmly tucked the ball home.

The lead didn't last long when Jaden Brissett found Jayden Robinson who curled home a shot from the edge of the penalty area past Lewis Greene on 16 minutes.

For the rest of the half the game was fairly even with Aveley having more possession without really threatening.

Into the second half and a long range effort from Marvel Ekipiteta drifted just wide for Aveley.

Both sides were cancelling each other out and struggling to create much in front of goal.

On 76 minutes, Stimson was just off target after doing well to take the ball down in the area and send a volley in towards goal.

A Millers’ effort caused problems in the penalty area but the Gulls were able to clear the danger with some last ditch defending.

In the final moments of the game Aveley won the match. Harry Critchley picked up the ball around 30 yards from goal and advanced with the ball. The Canvey defence failed to close him down as he got a shot in that fell into the path of Suley Zudhu who diverted the ball past Greene.

There was no time for Gulls to respond and a 5th consecutive defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the Isthmian Premier League.

Match Report by David Powell