Canvey's title hopes suffered another setback on Saturday as Bedford left Park Lane with a deserved point in a 3-3 thriller.

In reality, the Islanders should be grateful for the solitary point as they rallied from 3-1 down late on to snatch an unlikely point.

Bedford, for their part, were indebted to striker Kevin Slinn's hat-trick - his one man show denting Canvey's hopes of a Conference spot next term.

Though Jeff King's men led early on as another three-point haul seemed likely - Chris Duffy crossing for former Dagenham man Paul Cobb to sweep home.

Bedford's revival began on 50 minutes as Slinn began his one-man show, and within a minute they were in front as the livewire striker notched again, completing his hat-trick 20 minutes from time as Canvey collapsed at the back.

Adam Miller's wind-assisted free-kick on 77 minute gave Canvey hope, and normal service was restored on 89 minutes as substitute Lee Boylan found space in the box to rescue an unlikely point.

The Seagulls will have one eye on Gravesend's visit to Purfleet on Monday night as they look to maintain top spot in the division.