Maidstone ended a run of four straight draws with a 2-1 win at Canvey Island to go back on top of the Ryman League Premier Division.

Maidstone had the better of the first half and had the first real chance when Ben Greenhalgh saw an effort cleared off the line.

Greenhalgh, a constant threat for the Stones, then saw a decent strike saved by Canvey keeper Tim Brown after he cut in from out wide.

However, if it wasn’t for Steve Watt Maidstone would have found themselves behind. The big defender produced a brilliant goalline clearance after keeper Lee Worgan was beaten by a Josh Banton effort.

At the other end, Nathan Elder, making his Stones debut after joining on loan from Dover, knocked down a decent Matt Bodkin cross into the path of Greenhalgh who saw his shot saved.

Stones then saw another effort cleared off line, when Jack Parkinson’s shot from six yards somehow failed to find its way into the net, John Easterford the Canvey hero.

However Maidstone went in front just before the break. Alex Brown, Stones’ best player on the day, cut in from the right and curled a fine effort into the far corner.

Maidstone controlled the second half and doubled their lead on 70 minutes with a good move through their midfield.

James Rodgers found Brown who fed Greenhalgh and when his shot, at the end of a burst forward, was saved Bodkin slotted in the rebound to make it 2-0.

Canvey pulled one back after a sharp counter-attack that started from a Maidstone free-kick level with the home side’s box.

The quick break left Worgan exposed at the back post as Josh Simmons slotted home to give the home side hope with eight minutes left.

However, Maidstone comfortably saw out a nervy final few minutes and, with Margate’s game at Leiston postponed, returned to the top of the table on goal difference.

Maidstone: Worgan, Starkey, Mills, Watt, Miles, Rogers, Bodkin (Jordan 79), Parkinson, Elder, Brown (Piper 87), Greenhalgh. Subs not used: Akrofi, Collin, Godmon.

Attendance: 510