Match report by David Powell

Canvey Island moved to the top of the Pitching In Isthmian League North after a 4-2 victory over Barking at Mayesbrook Park.

The Gulls again showed great fight to come back from 2-1 down at half time as well as the loss of top scorer Matthew Price to injury to seal a win that takes them to the top of the league for the first time this season.

Evans Kouassi was the star man and his skill and trickery bamboozled the Barking defence who just had no answer to the former Heybridge winger's 'box of tricks'

Kouassi was influential in Canvey's first goal on 4 minutes. Tobi Tinubu's pass down the right released Kouassi and his cross was inch perfect for Harrison Chatting who scored with a thumping header at the far post.

There was a scare for Canvey a few minutes later when Johnny Gill who was impressive on the left wing for Barking broke clear down the left. Bobby Mason did well to come out and save his shot with the Canvey defence clearing the ball before former Canvey striker George Purcell could put the loose ball in the net.

It was all Canvey though in the first 20 minutes with Kouassi at the heart of everything they did.

A curling left footed shot by Kouassi was well saved by Barking keeper Jason Shaw and then the winger showed a sensational moment of skill to deceive Peter Ojemen down the right and cross for Elliot Ronto who steered an effort wide.

Chatting then drove a fierce shot across goal before Ronto fired wide after more good work from Kouassi.

After being so dominant, it was a surprise when Barking equalised on 22 minutes. A ball over from the right found Kieran Jones in space and he calmly lifted the ball over Mason and into the net.

Five minutes later Barking were ahead when Olumide Oluwatimilehin hit an unstoppable drive from 25 yards that flew past Mason and into the net.

On a wet 3G surface, Barking started to dominate the game looking dangerous down the wings. Purcell shot into the side netting and then a left wing chip from Gill drifted inches over the crossbar with Mason beaten.

Canvey had to endure the loss of Price who limped off on 36 minutes to be replaced by Callum Fitzer.

Canvey got in at half time 2-1 down but regained their composure in the second half. They kept the ball well and started playing like they had done in the opening 20 minutes.

On 51 minutes, Canvey won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area after a foul on Jamie Salmon. Conor Hubble stepped up and curled the ball around the wall and past Shaw who got a hand to the ball but couldn't keep it out as it went low into the corner.

Eight minutes later, Canvey were back in front. Kouassi did superbly to keep possession on the edge of the penalty area and fire a low shot into the bottom corner with his left foot.

Gill nearly provided a quick response when after a superb run from the left his low shot was well held by Mason on a slippery surface.

Canvey took a big step to victory on 68 minutes with the best goal of the game. Kouassi was put through and he sent an outrageous scooped lob over Shaw and into the net.

There was still over 20 minutes to go but Barking just couldn't get back into the game with Canvey seeing time out cleverly by keeping the ball well and remaining solid in defence.

Canvey look to continue their unbeaten start to the league season when they play Aveley at Park Lane on Saturday.