Canvey moved seven points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier thanks to a goal five minutes into injury-time from substitute Neil Gregory.
Jeff King's men were rocked after four minutes when young home striker Craig McAllister, who interested a number of League clubs including Southend United, last season, crashed a shot against the woodwork which rebounded in off visiting defender David Theobald.
The Islanders were on terms on the quarter-hour mark, a long clearance from defender Steve Ward being misjudged by the home side's David Ray to allow goal king Lee Boylan to race through for his 21st of the season.
Against the run of play, Basingstoke were awarded a 75th-minute penalty for an alleged handling offence by Gooden, but McAllister crashed his spot kick against the post.
With the game moving into the 95th minute another player fresh from the bench, Ollie Berquez, took advantage of a poor Tarr clearance and won the ball to set-up Gregory's winner.
Published Monday December 15, 2003
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