CANVEY Island boss Mark Bentley admitted he was 'lost for words' after Dereham Town claimed a 4-1 win to condemn the Gulls to a seventh loss in their last eight Isthmian North outings.

James White scored what proved to be no more than a consolation for Canvey as Joe Gatting's brace - along with efforts from Ryan Crisp and Rhys Logan - allowed the struggling visitors to seal all three points.

And Bentley insisted he will not accept similar performances in the seven clashes that remain this season.

The former Southend United midfielder said: “We’re disappointed again and I’m lost for words.

“We’re in a really bad place at the moment and have I got the characters in the dressing room to get us out of it? Not based on that performance and the performances over the last few weeks.

“The goals we conceded are indefensible and what can I do?

“I can’t watch this for another seven games. I’ve got too much about me to think that’s my side out there.

“But I can’t see where the next win is coming from and it’s hard for me to say that because I want this club to do really well.

“I’m desperate to do really well myself and I’m loving it here but it’s so frustrating.

“I don’t know how we’re going to get out of this hole because there is going to be no-one coming in due to the deadline being in a few weeks.”