CANVEY Island’s woeful run of form continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Soham Town Rangers.

Sam Mulready’s first half spot-kick proved to be the difference between the two sides at Julius Martin Lane.

And, as a result, the Gulls suffered an eighth Isthmian North loss in their last nine outings.

Soham broke the deadlock after Canvey goalkeeper Harry Palmer had been penalised.

Mulready stepped up and converted the penalty to give the home side the upper-hand with 25 minutes on the clock.

Soham should have doubled their advantage moments later, but the hosts missed from point blank range.

Gulls boss Mark Bentley reacted by putting himself on as a half-time substitute and the former Southend United midfielder came close twice.

Bentley saw a long range shot saved by Soham goalkeeper Craig Foxall before directing a header just over the crossbar.