CANVEY Island survived a comeback to secure a stunning 6-3 victory against rivals Grays Athletic.

A relatively low key first-half was followed by an eight-goal second period - all the goals scored in the first 25 minutes - with Mitchell Gilbey and George Sykes both netting twice for the Gulls.

Gilbey had opened the scoring after 10 minutes, his free-kick evading everyone inside the box and nestling inside the far post.

The rejuvenated Gilbey had three further efforts that half, two of which were well saved by Grays stopper Charley Aldis as the half came to an end.

The visitors doubled their lead within 60 seconds of the restart, Sam Collins profiting from good work by Sykes to slide home from the edge of the penalty area.

Two goals in three minutes from Sykes put Canvey well in control with 35 minutes remaining, although Grays then began their fightback.

Ryan Mahal, Jack Fowler and Adeyinka Cole scored in eight minutes to make it a one-goal game with 25 minutes still on the clock.

But less than a minute later Gilbey had scored his second with a cultured lob over Aldis.

On 66 minutes, Sykes spurned his chances of a hat-trick as Aldis denied him from the penalty spot, although Steve Sheehan was to get Canvey's sixth in the 70th minute.

And that was it in terms of goalscoring, as Canvey climbed up to fourth in the Isthmian North. Grays slip to 21st.