ROB King held his nerve to score three penalties which gave Canvey a deserved win over derby rivals AFC Hornchurch.

The midfielder won all his personal duels with Urchins’ keeper Ollie Morris-Saunders to move John Batch’s side in touching distance of the play-off positions.

King actually put the ball in the net from the spot four times after he was forced to re-take the first one following an encroachment into the area. Batch said: “They were all stonewall penalties to be fair, and Hornchurch were just lucky to keep eleven men on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes because two of the challenges denied clear goal-scoring opportunities. “But I think the score reflected a decent performance from us.”

Elsewhere in the division, BILLERICAY maintained their unbeaten home start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Wealdstone, courtesy of a header from centre-back Chris Wild.

It was also a good night for CONCORD. Goals from Bertie Brayley, James Lawson and Steve King saw them beat Maidstone United 3-2 at Thames Road. Danny Hockton scored a brace of headers to give the scoreline a flattering look for the visitors.

AVELEY lost 2-0 at home to Margate.