Any fears that Canvey might suffer a hangover from their FA Trophy demise were soon dispelled at Park Lane last night as Jeff King's troops moved up to second place in the Ryman Premier title chase.
Former Braintree striker Ollie Berquez took advantage of making a first full league debut with two goals.
Wing wonder - Chris Duffy powers forward against Basingstoke last night Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
With Lee Boylan also grabbing a brace to bring his tally to 24 for the term, this was the Islanders at their vintage best.
Basingstoke, who arrived late due to motorway hold-ups, probably wished they had not come at all as the one-time championship chasers suffered their fourth defeat in ten days.
Berquez stepped in for foot injury victim Neil Gregory up front and blazed a close range effort over the bar early on.
But after 20 minutes John Kennedy set Lee Boylan free on the right and the ex-West Ham man's cross saw Berquez score with a firm header.
With Jeff Minton again controlling the midfield, Canvey dominated for long spells -- although they were given one warning when Sean Gorman powered a header just wide.
At the other end Boylan crashed one effort against the body of outstanding visiting keeper Scott Tarr, but missed out on other chances in a style reminiscent of Friday's poor finishing in the 2-1 Trophy defeat at Northwich Victoria.
It was a similar story at the start of the second period with Berquez missing out and Minton shooting wide of an open goal after dribbling round Tarr.
But a superb Boylan volley, which flashed just wide, signalled a great improvement and he grabbed the second, courtesy of an outstanding through header from Steve Parmenter, after 70 minutes.
Chris Duffy's cross from the left saw Berquez head home again a minute later and, despite visiting striker Neville Roach having an effort disallowed for offside, Basingstoke were fortunate to only concede one more --which came courtesy of a brilliant turn and shot from the edge of the box by Boylan.
Delighted King said: "We're happy to be second, but we're still seven points behind leaders Aldershot and have it all to do."
For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article