Margate's woes at the bottom end of the Ryman Premier Division continued as they threw away an early lead against Canvey Island.

Managerless Gate, who expect to name their new boss at a fans' forum on Thursday, went ahead just after three minutes through Sam Jones.

But, after dictating the play in the early stages, lack of concentration and some bad luck let the men from across the Thames estuary back into the game.

Greg Cohen put the visitors level on 38 minutes when he stabbed home inside the box. Gate failed to clear after a mistake from teenager Sammy Cliff saw him lose possession in midfield.

In the second half, the hosts missed a couple of golden opportunities to retake the lead. Lloyd Blackman (pictured right) was also left rueing the woodwork as his beautifully curled free-kick came back off the post.

On 72 minutes a harmless looking Canvey cross came into the box, but a lack of patience and a couple of bobbles saw the ball eventually fall to John Curran. He fired into the net from the edge of the penalty box to make it 2-1.

Sammy Cliff then spurned a great chance to level things up before the end, but a lack of composure saw his effort sail over the bar.