MARK Bentley believes ‘you earn your luck’ after Canvey Island recorded a 2-1 derby victory over Basildon United in fortuitous circumstances.

Jason Hallett’s early opener was cancelled out by ex-Gulls striker Adam Vyse, who came back to haunt his former club.

But Canvey picked up all three points as James White’s free-kick was tipped onto the crossbar by Clarke Bogard before finding the net after striking the Bees goalkeeper’s back.

Gulls boss Bentley said: “Of course you make your own luck.

“Whitey was taking a few free-kicks in the warm-up and sticking them in the top corner.

“He struck it well and it hit the goalkeeper before going in our favour.

“Up the other end, Lamar Johnson pulled off two world class saves towards the end.

“You earn your luck and we worked hard again.”

The clash saw Canvey return to Isthmian North action for the first time in more than a month.

And, as a result of playing catch up with divisional rivals due to runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, Bentley felt it was vital to triumph.

“Picking up three points was important,” added Bentley.

“It’s good to win ugly at times and we certainly were ugly.

“We got a little bit complacent in our play but three points is what we wanted before the game and that’s what we got.

“I think we were poor, even leading up to our first goal.

“They have a lively couple of wingers and they were quite direct so caused a few problems.

“I certainly wouldn’t think that we already had the game won.

“Maybe a few of our players thought we would coast to three points, but that’s never the case at this level of football.

“Fair play to Basildon because they caused us a few problems in certain areas, but we got through the game.”

And Canvey were forced to finish the derby with 10 men as Matt Lock was forced off with an injury.

Bentley admitted: “Locky rolled his ankle clearing one off the line.

“He put his body on the line for us but that’s a time when you roll your sleeves up, come together and don’t allow the ball to go into your net.”