An eight-point gap to the bottom four in the Ryman Premier League is just as well for Harrow Borough, who did themselves no favours with their early-goal hoodoo still afflicting them on Saturday.

A 3-0 defeat at Canvey Island was largely settled in the opening minutes of both halves - and once Ryan Blackman struck a third-minute opener for the hosts, they were facing an uphill battle.

The Canvey midfielder played a neat one-two before being given too much time to stroke the opener beyond Luke Williams.

Harrow offered little in the way of threatening an equaliser before the interval and two minutes after it, they were two behind.

A corner was missed by Williams before defender Frankie Merrifield nodded in from close-range, as the hosts gave themselves extra breathing space.

Harrow crafted their best chances with the game likely beyond them, and Lheureux Menga, Joshua Webb and Michael Bryan all went close.

But with 12 minutes to go, Canvey put the game beyond any doubt with a third on the break, which ended with George Sykes netting the final goal of the afternoon.

Harrow drop to 14th but will still be content with the relative safety of mid-table, and next host Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.

Harrow: Williams; Ochoa (Newman 63), Peacock, Webb (Nicholas 76), Lafleur; Bryan, Cumberbatch, Preddie, Brown; Menga (Turl 63), Charles-Smith.

Not used: Babalola, Laalizi.