Brentwood Town suffered their first league defeat of the season, with a late strike from Finlay Dorrell sealing all three points for Canvey Island, earning the hosts their first win of the campaign.

Manager Keith Rowland made three changes to the side that drew with Dartford last weekend. Romel Aarons-Royal and Charlie Edwards both came into the starting XI, while Jon Nzengo made his first start of the season following recovery from an Achilles injury.

Canvey made a blistering start and were ahead inside the opening minute. Former Blues midfielder Koby Yeboah delivered a dangerous free-kick to the far post, where Kenedi Dariri was on hand to fire across goal through a crowded box and into the net.

The Gulls doubled their lead on 12 minutes through Max Fiddes, who cut inside from the right and drilled a low left-footed strike beyond Melvin Minter to make it 2–0.

From that point, Brentwood began to dominate possession as they sought a way back into the contest — a familiar scenario for Rowland’s men this season. Their persistence paid off midway through the first half when Alejandro Machado produced a moment of brilliance. From 25 yards, the midfielder curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner, leaving Canvey goalkeeper George Barrett with no chance.

Brentwood carried that momentum into the second half, pressing for an equaliser. Just after the hour mark, Manny Ogunrinde and Benas Vaivada were introduced from the bench — the latter making his first appearance in five weeks.

The Blues’ attacking intent was rewarded in the 71st minute when Danny Ogunleye levelled the score. Machado’s through ball found its way to Ogunleye, who made no mistake with a composed first-time finish past Barrett for his latest goal of the campaign.

From this point on, Brentwood looked the likelier side to go on and win it. However, fate had other ideas. With less than 10 minutes of normal time to go, a seemingly routine clearance from Elliott Johnson was misjudged at the back, allowing substitute Finlay Dorrell to pounce and restore Canvey’s lead late on.

Despite a late surge from the visitors, the hosts held firm to claim victory, bringing Brentwood’s unbeaten start to an end.

LINE-UPS

Canvey Island: Barrett (GK), Halsey, Reeve, Johnson, Nesbitt, Dariri, Yeboah, Ronto (C), Newson (Dorrell 74’), Fiddes, Remi (Jaggs 70’)
Subs not used: Greene, Stimson, Skarna

Brentwood Town: Minter (GK), Nzengo (Ogunrinde 62’), Reid, Royal, Cripps (C), Ogunleye, Freeman, Edwards (Vaivada 62’), Johnson, Machado, Hubbard
Subs not used: Skoro, Pollock, Park

FULL-TIME: Canvey Island 3–2 Brentwood Town
Goals: Dariri (1’), Fiddes (12’), Dorrell (82’) | Machado (22’), Ogunleye (71’)
Attendance: 317