HULLBRIDGE Sports got their Isthmian League Cup group stage campaign underway with a penalty shoot-out win at Canvey Island.

The clash ended goalless after 90 minutes at Park Drive.

And Sports converted all five of their spot-kicks to come out on top 5-3.

Canvey came close to taking a 16th minute lead after some impressive skill was displayed by Emmanuel Adelokunbo.

The winger cut inside two Hullbridge defenders and worked enough space to get a shot away, but goalkeeper Lewis Greene was able to turn the effort aside.

Adelokunbo then blazed over after taking on Sam Taylor on the half hour mark.

Hullbridge responded with Tim Monsheju forcing Dan Comfrey into action and the goalkeeper gathered the strike at the second attempt.

Monsheju then came within inches of turning a Luke Hornsley centre home after Canvey right-back Sam Dulieu had been caught out by a long ball forward.

Sports midfielder Emmanuel Okunja fired inches wide of the target on the stroke of half-time.

The first chance of the second period fell to Enoch Gyimah, but the long range strike was tipped onto the roof of the net by Greene.

Dulieu came close to snatching a late winner for the hosts.

New signing Samrai Gebrai raced behind Courtney Homans and put the ball across the face of goal, but Dulieu’s sliding effort went over the crossbar.

Monsheju then forced Canvey goalkeeper Confrey into a save within moments as both teams pushed for a goal.

But no goals were forthcoming and the encounter went to a penalty shoot-out.

And Hullbridge were to emerge victorious as Sammy Knott, who blazed over, was the only player to miss from 12 yards.