TOBI Joseph headed home a last-gasp winner as Canvey Island came from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Grays Athletic.

Both sides went into the clash having recorded victory on the opening day of the Isthmian North season.

Despite Joao Carlos’ opener for Grays, Jason Hallett came off the bench to level matters and Joseph headed home to ensure Canvey would come out on top at Park Lane.

The first meaningful opportunity of the encounter came midway through the first half.

George Purcell sent a blistering strike goalwards from 30 yards out and Grays goalkeeper Danny Sambridge did well to keep the ferocious drive out.

Purcell, who recorded an opening day brace at Romford, then put Tobi Joseph in on goal five minutes later.

However, the frontman took one touch too many, which allowed Steve King to get back and put enough pressure on Joseph to ensure the ball would go harmlessly back to Sambridge.

Alex Stephenson headed a Kane Gilbert corner inches wide of the target when well placed as the first half ended goalless.

Less than two minutes after the break, ex-Canvey striker Tony Stokes got away from the home side’s defence but dragged his shot wide.

The Gulls responded by going on the counter-attack following a Grays corner and Purcell fired wide after cutting inside Macauley Joynes.

But Grays broke the deadlock with 68 minutes played as Carlos raced through and found the corner of the net.

Stokes then forced Lamar Johnson into a fine save as Grays looked to follow up their opener with a quickfire second goal.

However, Canvey were level with 13 minutes remaining.

Stephenson’s attempted shot found Hallett behind the Grays defence and the striker, who joined just 24 hours before the clash, found the bottom corner of the net on the turn.

The Gulls should have turned the game on its head moments later as Josh Hutchinson’s cross found its way to Purcell, whose scuffed effort went wide when well placed.

Another dangerous delivery across the face of goal from Hutchinson then saw Sambridge forced into a fine stop to deny Hallett a second goal.

But Canvey were to grab a 90th minute winner as Joseph headed home from close range.