Mark Bentley feels Jason Hallett could take Canvey Island to next level

Hallett joined the Gulls for a fourth time earlier this week and marked his return with the leveller as Canvey went onto seal a late 2-1 win over Grays Athletic.

And Bentley is pleased to have acquired the 33-year-old’s services following a free-scoring spell with Isthmian Premier League outfit Cheshunt.

The Canvey boss said: “I’m really pleased to have brought someone of Jason’s calibre into the club and he made a fantastic start to life back at Canvey.

“It was one of those occasions where I was looking at the budget because I was desperate to bring in another striker.

“Trying to rely on Tobi (Joseph) and George (Purcell) throughout the whole season would have been difficult, so I was looking to sign a targetman who knows the league.

“Jason is obviously a Cheshunt legend and I don’t necessarily like taking players from other clubs, but I’ve got a bit of a relationship with Cheshunt and I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.

“Along with George and Tobi, Jason could take us to the next level.”

Hallett came off the bench and cancelled out Joao Carlos’ opener for Grays less than 24 hours after sealing his move back to Park Lane.

But Bentley admits he was not due to get involved in the Isthmian North clash and was also fined.

“It was a great start for Jason and he shouldn’t really have played because he injured his ankle on Saturday,” added Bentley.

“He wasn’t really in my thoughts and we had to keep it a bit quiet.

“But he came on and did a bit of magic.

“He turned up late because he got stuck on the A127, so we’ll also hit him with a nice fine for the players’ pool.”

Following Hallett’s equaliser, a 90th minute winner from Joseph - who rose highest to meet a Josh Hutchinson corner - sparked wild celebrations at Park Lane.

And Bentley hopes a similar atmosphere can be created throughout the campaign as the Gulls eye promotion.

“I loved the atmosphere and we haven’t really had that kind of atmosphere since I’ve been at the club,” admitted Bentley.

“It was lively in the changing room before and after the game.

“You could see the buzz because that’s what winning does to you and there is no better feeling than winning games of football.

“It was an exciting end to the game and you would hope that will make some of those who came to the game to come back.”

And Bentley praised his players’ attitude.

“We worked ever so hard after going a goal behind,” insisted Bentley.

“I saw something that I had seen throughout pre-season and that is a never-say-die attitude.

“This group of players don’t know when they are beaten and that is certainly something that we didn’t have last season.”