ROB Budd earned praise after putting in an impressive goalkeeping display just a matter of hours after signing for Canvey Island.

Budd has joined the Gulls following Lamar Johnson’s call-up to the St Lucia international side.

And the custodian, who started the season with Isthmian North rivals Hullbridge Sports, impressed boss Mark Bentley by pulling off a number of fine saves in the 3-2 win over Brentwood Town.

“We’re happy to have Rob and we got the deal over the line on the morning of the game,” said Bentley.

“It was a nightmare trying to bring in a goalkeeper on short notice and, although it’s great that Lamz has got his international call-up, the timing has absolutely killed me.

“St Lucia told us about Lamz’s call-up late on Friday so that didn’t give us much time.

“But Rob was available and, although he was supposed to be training elsewhere, I managed to persuade him to come here.

“He is a local lad as well, which is good.

“We rode our luck in the last 10 minutes and Brentwood threw everything at us.

“Our goal was a bit of a lucky charm for us.

“Rob came in and put in a bit of a wonder-show.”

However, Budd left the Park Lane pitch in discomfort and is now a doubt for this weekend’s derby with Great Wakering Rovers.

As a result, Bentley may have to return to the drawing board.

The Canvey chief added: “I think he pulled both hamstrings but he still managed to pull off a few saves.

“I don’t know if he will be fit to play on Saturday.

“He came off the pitch and put two ice-packs on both hamstrings.

“We will patch him up and see how he is.

“Otherwise I will be back to making phone calls and trying to get another goalkeeper in.”

Kane Gilbert, Tobi Joseph and Albert Levett netted for Canvey and Bentley was pleased to triumph after the FA Trophy exit on Saturday.

“I’m really happy with the three points,” admitted Bentley.

“The league is the most important thing following the good cup runs.

“Three points was a must and we got them.”