CANVEY Island bounced back from their weekend defeat with a battling draw at Hendon in a match they feel they should have won.

The Gulls were looking to stop the rot after three heavy defeats in their past four Ryman Premier League games, and recreate the excellent result on their last away day – a 3-0 win at Lowestoft Town.

And it was the away side that started the brighter. Mitchell Gilbey saw an effort well blocked before the clearest chance of the half came and went for Hendon.

Niko Muir was presented a golden chance with just Lewis Moore to beat but he missed the target.

Arthur Lee was denied by Moore, while Omarr Lawson tested Darren Behcet between the Hendon posts.

George Sykes sent an effort narrowly wide but there was nothing between the two at half-time.

Sykes was causing trouble and came even closer in the first five minutes of the second-half. Martin Tuohy and Gilbey combined but Sykes hit the post when well placed.

Tuohy struck wide as the pressure intensified although Hendon looked dangerous too. Karl Oliyade came close to connecting to a fierce cross, while Jerome Federico felt a penalty should have been awarded following a collision with debutant John Mbamarah.

Steve Sheehan saw a header cleared off the line as the final 10 minutes loomed, while Tuohy’s header was also hooked away from on the goal-line.

But it wasn’t to be as it ended 0-0.

Billericay Town went down 1-0 in a close encounter with Folkestone Invicta.

Town had a new central defensive partnership of Steve King and Jerome Sobers, joining from Concord Rangers and Tonbridge Angels respectively and they looked assured.

Billericay hit the post as they looked to work an opening against an organised side but it remained level at the break.

However, Billericay were to fall behind 10 minutes into the second-half, with Sam Hasler scoring against the run of play for the hosts.

And that goal proved enough in the end.

Great Wakering secured a hugely creditable goalless draw at VCD Athletic as they made it three matches unbeaten for the first time this season.

Both sides had their chances but the Wakering back line played superbly to keep out the Kent side and it ended 0-0 in the Ryman North clash.