MARK Bentley is hoping Canvey Island’s last-gasp win at Witham Town will prove to be a turning point as the Gulls look to finish the Isthmian North campaign in style.

Zack Littlejohn’s injury time diving header ensured a 1-0 win over struggling Witham on Saturday.

The goal came just a matter of minutes after Harry Palmer pulled off an impressive save to deny Witham striker Johnny Ashman from the penalty spot and Bentley has challenged his side to build on the victory.

The Gulls boss said: “Harry’s penalty save was justice, in my opinion, because the referee gave the spot-kick for handball but I thought it was harsh.

“Harry has done that a few times this season and that was a match changing moment.

“Those moments in games can often prove to be the catalyst for a change in fortunes and we’ll be hoping that is the case.

“We want to finish the season well and hopefully rediscover the kind of form we showed at the start of the year, where we won four out of five games.”

Although Littlejohn’s biggest impact came in scoring the winner, Bentley was also keen to praise the youngster for his defensive performance.

“Zack was excellent throughout the game and I thought he was very dominant,” added the former Southend United midfielder, who made a second consecutive appearance off the bench.

“I thought him and Elliott Warren did really well at the back and the clean sheet was a massive bonus for us.

“Hopefully we can go on and get a few more clean sheets.”