Canvey Island recorded an important win coming from a goal down to beat Whitehawk 2-1 at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium.

Two goals in the last 13 minutes including a stoppage time effort from substitute Calum Newson gave Gulls a victory that reignites their survival hopes after 3 straight defeats.

Canvey could have taken the lead on 10 minutes. Matas Skarna was shoved in the penalty area with the referee awarding a penalty. Mikey Salako stepped up but Francis Hurl guessed the right way diving to his left to save the effort.

On 16 minutes, Florian Kastrati who had a brief spell with Gulls last season side footed a presentable chance wide at the near post from a left wing cross for Whitehawk.

Both sides struggled to create much in front of goal especially Gulls despite having a decent amount of possession.

On 38 minutes, Charlie Lambert fired over from the right hand corner of the penalty area after Ethan Binnie punched the ball clear before Whitehawk took the lead.

From a corner Harry Bridle was able to fire home.

In the second half, Gulls made a fast start when Scott Kashket broke through but Hurl was quick to smother his effort before getting up quickly to block Charlie Stimson's follow up.

Charlie Harris fired a 25 yard effort wide on the hour mark as Whitehawk looked to extend their lead further.

Gulls equalised on 77 minutes in spectacular fashion with Connor Hubble scoring his first goal since returning to the club.

From a free kick on the left hand edge of the penalty area, Hubble curled a superb effort around the wall and beyond Hurl at his near post.

The goal gave Canvey a spring in their step and Kenedi Dariri nearly provided a goal with a superb dribble into the penalty area but nobody could quite get to his ball across goal.

Newson then poked a left wing cross over the crossbar as the game entered injury time.

Shortly afterwards, Canvey won the game when determined work saw Gulls win the ball on the edge of the penalty area and Newson was played through to send a composed finish from an angle past Hurl.

There was still time for Hurl to join a late attack from a free kick and flick a header wide.

Gulls though held out for a much needed three points that gives them hope of climbing out of the relegation zone before an important game on Saturday at Hashtag United.

Match Report by David Powell.