CANVEY Island defender Jimmy Wallace says playing with freedom helped them secure a shock success against Hornchurch.

Canvey, who are 17th in the Isthmian Premier Division standings, beat the champions 4-1 at the Movie Starr Stadium on Tuesday night.

And former Southend United centre-back Wallace was delighted to pick up an unexpected three points.

“It was a great feeling to get the three points in the way we did, especially against the champions,” said Wallace.

“The gaffer (Brad Wellmen) and Knotty (Sammy Knott) have been just telling us to play with freedom and enjoy ourselves out there.

“That’s what we did on Tuesday.”

Bradley Sach, Emmanuel Adebiyi, Conor Hubble and Sam Higgins were all on target for Canvey as they secured just their second win in 12 games.

But Wallace believes the Gulls have been close to picking up better results during the poor run.

“We have always been in the game in recent weeks and looked like the team that can go on to win it,” said Wallace.

“Maybe sometimes that just hasn’t gone our way but on Tuesday night it did.”

But, despite those indifferent results, Wallace is enjoying his football with Canvey who he signed for in February.

“Since joining Canvey I’ve loved every moment,” said Wallace.

“The boys are a great group and made me welcome straight away.

“The gaffer and Knotty have been so great with me and just allowed me to get my head down and enjoy my football.”

Canvey now have just three games left to play this season , starting with tonight’s trip to Potters Bar Town.

And Wallace wants the win against Hornchurch to be the sign of things to come.

“Even though there’s not technically anything for us to be playing for none of us are going to be treating it that way,” said Wallace.

“We want to finish the season as strong as possible.

“As for myself I want to keep building on my performances and having a great end to the season personally too.”

And Wallace is pleased to be playing regularly once again after overcoming injury issues.

“After leaving Southend I joined Concord in National League South but went through horrible injuries which was gutting as I was pushing on last year,” said Wallace.

“I spent the start of this season with Cheshunt and I did enjoy my time there.

“But once I knew of Canvey’s interest, I made the decision to go and join them and I’ve loved every moment since I’ve arrived.”

Elsewhere on Tuesday night, already relegated Concord Rangers drew 1-1 at Folkestone Invicta.

In Isthmian North, Basildon United lost 1-0 at home to Brentwood Town.