Canvey Island 0 Gravesend & N 2

GRAVESEND & Northfleet moved to within two points of the top of the Ryman League Premier Division after beating the current pace-setters in an eventful game at Park Lane last night.

With just a quarter of an hour remaining, and with Andy Ford's side two up, thanks to strikes from Jimmy Jackson and Francis Duku, two of the four floodlights went out, forcing the players off the field.

As frustration grew within the visiting supporters who feared the game might be abandoned, the referee discussed the situation with the ground electrician and the two managers - Canvey's Jeff King and Ford.

After 40 minutes of inactivity, it was eventually decided to re-start the game in the weaker light, much to the displeasure of the home team who obviously had most to gain from any cancellation. Although there were no more goals in the remaining 15 minutes there were plenty of incidents as the Canvey players lost their discipline and had skipper Mark Stimson dismissed for a crude two-footed challenge on Fleet sub Matt Lee.

Gravesend's night had started off perfectly with a goal on four minutes from captain Jackson, who lashed a left-foot volley into the net following Steve McKimm's through ball.

The hosts rarely looked like scoring in the opening periods as their tactic of pumping high balls up to their two small front men, Paul Cobb and Lee Boylan, failed to gain any reward, although Chris Duffy was a handful in midfield with his surging runs.

The second half was more open with both teams having chances - the best of which falling to Cobb five minutes after the interval but his shot from 12 yards bounced off the inside of the far post.

The miss proved even more costly on 74 minutes when Duku slammed in from close range after Canvey goalkeeper Ashley Harrison had spilled a Che Stadhart free-kick. Seconds later, the floodlights went out and then the drama really did began.

Gravesend: Turner, Burton, Skinner, Barnett, Duku, McKimm, Lye (Lee 55), Owen, Jackson, Wilkins (Hatch 87), Stadhart.