Canvey slipped up in their bid to cement their play-off place in a 1-1 home draw with Waltham Abbey, which saw skipper Craig Davidson sent off after the final whistle.
An uninspiring 90 minutes ended in controversy with referee Graham Atkins' refusal to award Gulls a penalty in the dying seconds leading to Davidson's sending off and the match official leaving the field to a storm of protest from the home fans in a 332-strong crowd.
And Gulls manger John Batch was also outraged by the referee's decision to ignore the penalty shouts.
"It was a terrible decision," he said.
"Nicky Rugg was undoubtedly clattered from behind and you could hear the crack right round the ground.
"The referee told me afterwards it was a coming together of legs but that's nonsense as far as I'm concerned."
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