ESSEX SENIOR CUP: CANVEY scored three goals in as many minutes to come from two down and knock League One Dagenham & Redbridge out of the Essex Senior Cup.

Goals from Craig Davidson, Rob King and Ellis Skidmore turned the tie on its head and the Gulls hung on for an excellent win at Victoria Road.

Canvey rested top-scorer Danny Heale, and first-teamers Alex Rhodes, Matt Game, and Kevin Dobinson.

Jay Curran and Frank Everett missed out through suspension, and Jason Hallett was too ill to play.

Daggers put out a strong side, with nine of their starting XI having played for their first team this season, with regulars Damien McCrory, Scott Doe, Jon Nurse, Josh Scott, and Phil Ifil all included.

Canvey got off to a terrible start as keeper James Russell misjudged John Nurse’s hopeful ball forward and the ball ended up in the net to give the hosts a third-minute lead.

Despite numerous chances for both sides it looked as though the score would stay 1-0 at the break, but the hosts finally managed to add their second just before half time.

An uncharacteristic mistake by John Easterford gifted possession back to Daggers, and the ball was worked to Josh Scott and he smashed the ball home from six yards.

But the fightback began on 25 minutes when former-Dagger Craig Davidson curled a pinpoint shot into the net, leaving home keeper Simon Locke with no chance.

A minute later the scores were level thanks to an audacious effort by the outstanding Rob King. Once again the Canvey man found space on the edge of the area, and hit a right footed shot across Locke and into the far corner.

And two minutes later Canvey took the lead.

King’s long range effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

And the sparky Ellis Skidmore was on hand to poke the ball home from close range to score his first ever first team goal on his full debut.

It was Skidmore’s first goal for the club, and on a night when he got his first start after an impressive loan spell at Redbridge.

Daggers came forward in search of an equaliser.

But Daggers were thwarted by a fine display from the Canvey back-line, which included a last-gasp blocks from John Easterford and then skipper Chris Moore to deny Scott.

But Canvey finished strongly and were unlucky not to extend their lead when substitute Danny Heale crashed a shot against the crossbar in the 90th minute of the game.