Canvey Island plummeted to the bottom of the Ryman Premier last night, stunned by a four-goal super show by Bishop's Stortford at Park Lane.

Last year's Isthmian runners-up had no answer to the newly promoted Essex outfit, grateful to new man Roy Essandoh, whose first-half double set Jeff King's men on course for their heaviest ever home defeat at this level.

Essandoh began the rout on 20 minutes, doubling the advantage shortly before half-time with a beautfiully executed effort past new Gulls keeper Danny Potter.

Troy Braham's superb solo effort made it three in the second half, before Vinnie John hit his first of the season from a tight angle to secure the points in some style.

Canvey's misery was completed by Adam Miller's dismissal late on, and the Islanders must regroup quickly ahead of Saturday's home clash with Hitchin, a side that the Islanders have struggled against in the past.

They will also be without the inspirational Steve Parmenter who hobbled off in the first half with suspected ankle ligament damage.

Published Wednesday August 21, 2002