Canvey Island became the latest victims of the Abbott goal habit last night as they took their run of Ryman League Premier Division games without a win to five.

Gary Abbott, undoubtedly the most lethal striker in the League, struck after 16 and 37 minutes to bring his goal tally for the term to 38 as hosts Aldershot, enjoying a superb run over the past couple of months, threatened to take the visitors apart.

Aside from the goals, Simon Ullathorne hit the woodwork for Shots in the opening 45 minutes and Gulls had to rely on two superb Ashley Harrison saves, from Richard Gell and Ullathorne, to save them from further embarrassment as Abbott and Wayne Andrews threatened to tear them apart.

However, the Islanders rallied bravely after the break against a home side who looked to have shot their bolt in the opening half. Neil Gregory headed the Islanders back into the game from David Kerslake's free-kick after 51 minutes.

Abrahams forced home keeper Andy Pape into a good save, while Andy Jones went close and Garry Britnell came up from defence to beat Pape with an effort which Jason Chewins cleared off the line.

However, the spirited comeback all came to nothing when, much to the relief of most of the 1,802 crowd, Abbott's flick set-up Otis Hutchins to make it 3-1 with 17 minutes remaining.

So Gulls suffered their fourth defeat in five games, but can still maintain their current third spot if they continue to demonstrate the spirit shown in the second-half here against a top-form Shots who have not yet given up hopes of catching runaway leaders Dagenham.

Canvey go to a Heybridge side not yet clear of relegation worries on Saturday before defending the Essex Senior Cup in a final date with Purfleet at Roots Hall on Monday.

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