Canvey moved to within one win of the Ryman Premier title on Tuesday night with a narrow success at struggling Kingstonian.

Three points against Thurrock on Good Friday will confirm the Gulls' long overdue promotion to the Nationwide Conference.

Following the exertions of Saturday's epic FA Trophy victory over Telford United, the visitors looked predictably jaded during the opening exchanges of this clash played at a sparse Kingsmeadow, the new home of AFC Wimbledon.

Paul Gibbs and David McGhee both came in for their league debuts, but it was the familiar dominance of midfield dynamo Jeff Minton and strike threat Lee Boylan that came to control the half. Matt Elverson had to be alert to clear the 50-goal forward's shot on 20 minutes, before Minton tried from range but missed the target.

The inevitable goal did arrive on 36 minutes when Kevin Dobinson's cross was headed over Lance Key by Ollie Berquez.

Canvey continued to press in the second period. The hosts, Kingstonian looked to make life interesting with Stafford Browne and Bashiru Alimi stretching the visitors' backline.

Danny Potter saved from Aaron Gilbert, before the K's did pull level on 73 minutes.

Gilbert linked with Browne, who slipped the ball inside to Anthony Savage who swept the equaliser wide of Potter.

Almost immediately though Canvey regained their advantage. Boylan was nudged in the box, and the Ryman Premier leading marksmen converted from twelve yards as Jeff King's men moved to within touching distance of the title.

Published Wednesday April 7, 2004