Canvey Island suffered their first defeat under manager Gary Kimble going down to a 3-1 loss to St Albans City at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium.

Saints themselves had a new manager at the helm with former Billericay manager Gary McCann taking charge of his first game.

St Albans were the better side for long periods and with both Elliott Ronto and Elliott Johnson missing from the line up and new signing Scott Kashket unavailable to play, Gulls found it difficult to create chances against a well organised Saints’ side.

St Albans made a fast start to the game taking the lead within a minute with Leo Sery scoring from close range after good work by Zane Banton.

Worse was to follow on 34 minutes when Banton's pass found Sam Smart down the right and his low cross was tapped home by Alex Wall from close range at the far post.

Canvey responded soon after when Charlie Stimson sent a towering header past Mackenzie Chapman from a left wing cross into the net.

In the second half St Albans grabbed a third on 66 minutes. Alex Dyer's shot deflected into the path of Wall who fired home past George Barrett into the roof of the net.

Saints had further chances to extend their lead but the scoreline finished 3-1 to the visitors.

Gulls look to bounce back when they travel to Ramsgate next weekend.

Match Report by David Powell