Orlu steps up for Canvey

Canvey trail second-placed neighbours Concord by a single goal in what is becoming a remarkable season for the Essex island.

Orlu opened his account in the 33rd minute and grabbed his second midway through the second half as Stones’ modest away form continued. They have won only twice on the road.

Leaders Whitehawk, meanwhile, extended their advantage to 12 points with a 1-1 draw at Hendon. The goals came early, with Andrew Pearson scoring for Hawks in the 14th minute and Dean Cracknell replying four minutes later.

A hat-trick by Scott McGleish inspired Enfield Town’s best result of their debut Premier season, a 5-1 romp at out-of-form Cray which lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone.

McGleish netted after 23, 45 and 53 minutes, after which Cray came into the game and deservedly pulled a goal back with a Michael Power free-kick in the 72nd minute.

Ten minutes later, though, Adam Wallace restored the three-goal margin and Liam Hope completed the rout at the end. Cray have lost eight of their 12 home games in the league.

Harrow, a point behind Enfield, also put some daylight between themselves and the bottom two with a 3-1 home victory over Bury.

Michael Peacock struck after 33 minutes to give Harrow a half-time lead which was wiped out soon after the restart by John Sands. It was his 15th league goal and put him level with Concord’s Tony Stokes at the top of the division’s scoring charts.

Simeon Akinola restored Harrow’s lead in the 54th minute and Saheed Sankoh made sure of three important points with nine minutes left.

Hastings are two points clear of the bottom two after yet another home draw, their eighth in 11 games. East Thurrock were the latest side to share the honours at the Pilot Field thanks to a goal by Kye Ruel in the 68th minute. Mikkel Suarez had given Hastings the lead five minutes after the break.

Lewes collected only their second away victory with a 4-2 success at Wingate, though it was marred by a late dismissal for skipper Chris Breach, his second in successive games.

Wayne O’Sullivan gave the hosts a tenth-minute lead from the penalty spot but Ben Godfrey replied midway though the half and Breach put Lewes 2-1 up right on half-time, with Steve Brinkhurst adding a third soon after the restart.

Anthony Thomas, who joined Wingate two months ago, is still Lewes’s top scorer and he reminded them of his skills when he hit the bar from long range before pulling a goal back in the 74th minute. Lewes held on to their lead and James Fergany made sure with a late strike.

Goals early in the second half from Ty Smith and Craig Watkins gave Met Police a 2-0 victory at Leiston while, just up the Suffolk coast, the game between Lowestoft and Thurrock was postponed because of snow, a blow to both clubs who have 24 games apiece to play.