Canvey Island went down to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Lewes at the Steves' Taxis stadium.

On a freezing cold afternoon Lewes dominated much of the first half but Gulls were better in the second half especially in the last 20 minutes.

Canvey featured two new signings in midfielder Ben Steward arriving on loan from Billericay Town and experienced ex Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon right back who was recently at Welling United.

Rooks made a positive start with Bobby Unwin curling a shot against the post after a fast break.

Danny Bassett then broke through the Canvey defence on 35 minutes but fired straight at Jacob Marsden.

Moments later Rooks made their pressure pay when Alfie Allen fired home from close range from a rebound to give them the lead.

In the second half, Gulls finally forced Louis Rogers into a save on 70 minutes when Mike Finneran's fierce strike from an angle was beaten away by the keeper for a corner.

Scott Kashket then couldn't get on the end of an excellent left wing cross from Matas Skarna as Canvey enjoyed a spell of pressure.

Canvey brought on veteran striker Jason Hallett returning to the club as they searched for an equaliser and they started to ask questions of the Lewes' defence without really testing Rogers.

Hallett received a booking within moments of coming on after he slid in on the keeper as he claimed a low shot.

Going into the last few minutes, Lewes hit the woodwork before Skarna was unlucky with a curling effort after cutting in from the left that drifted just wide of the far post.

Canvey had a shout for a penalty but Rooks defended well to pick up a victory that sees Gulls slip into the bottom two in the Isthmian Premier League table.

Match Report by David Powell.