CANVEY Island’s 100 per cent winning run came to an end as they were condemned to a 2-0 defeat by fellow high-flyers Bury Town.

The Gulls went into the contest as one of two sides boasting maximum points in the early stages of the Isthmian North campaign.

But goals from Will Gardner and Cruise Nyadzayo ensured that Canvey would be left empty-handed, much to the frustration of boss Mark Bentley.

Bentley said: “It was a tough one to take.

“We hit the post a couple of times, the goalkeeper pulled off a few saves and I thought we had a blatant penalty which wasn’t given.

“They are fine margins and then there was a sucker punch as they got their second goal.

“We have had a good run and I couldn’t have asked any more of my players.

“I think it was the best we have played.

“We created a few chances, were on the front foot and put them under massive pressure but couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net.”

The Gulls came agonisingly close to racing into an early lead as Josh Hutchinson saw his strike come back off the post.

But Bury broke the deadlock seven minutes before the break thanks to a Gardner cracker.

Gardner unleashed an unstoppable long range strike which flew into the top corner of the net.

Canvey were frustrated by the woodwork for a second time 10 minutes after the interval.

Alex Stephenson rose highest to meet a Hutchinson corner, but the central defender’s header hit the post.

The Gulls pushed for a late leveller and Tobi Joseph passed up a golden opportunity before George Purcell was kept out by an impressive Daniel Barden save.

And the misses proved costly as Bury put the game beyond Canvey with three minutes remaining.

A long ball forward was misjudged by defender Elliott Warren and goalkeeper Lamar Johnson, which allowed Nyadzayo to slot home.