ROB Budd has returned to Canvey Island for a second spell of the season.

Budd made two appearances for the Gulls while first choice shot-stopper Lamar Johnson was on international duty with St Lucia in November.

And boss Mark Bentley was pleased to draft Budd back into his side ahead of the 3-1 midweek win over Soham Town Rangers.

“We had signed Emmanuel Idem from West Ham United before the weekend and he made his debut at Bury Town,” said Bentley.

“There was a deal in place to keep him for another two games, but he suffered a groin strain.

“That meant I needed to look for another goalkeeper and I saw Rob was available.

“I knew he hadn’t played on Saturday and then I found out he had left Saffron Walden Town.

“He did really well when he was here initially, so I offered him the chance to come back and he accepted the offer.

“Rob is a good, experienced goalkeeper and it’s great to have him back with us.”

Johnson is expected to miss the upcoming run of fixtures after picking up a groin problem.

And Bentley admits it is difficult to pinpoint when the goalkeeper will return to contention.

“We think we will be without Lamar for another two or three weeks,” added Bentley.

“He overstretched his groin in training last week and it is difficult to know exactly how long he will be out for because it one of those injuries that can take time to get over.

“We will be constantly monitoring Lamar’s injury.”

Budd was between the sticks as Canvey beat Soham to move to within two points of the Isthmian North play-off places.

Although Soham went ahead thanks to a Darren Phillips own goal, they were down to nine men inside 33 minutes as Callum Russell and Alfie Connor were both shown a straight red card.

Jason Hallett grabbed a second half equaliser before turning the game on its head as the contest ticked into the 90th minute.

Kane Gilbert wrapped up all three points with a penalty deep in injury time.

“It was a massive result for us on a poor pitch,” admitted Bentley.

“We’re now gaining momentum and it’s important that we maintain that.”