MITCH Gilbey believes Harry Palmer’s early penalty save was the catalyst for Canvey’s impressive opening day victory against Barking.

The Gulls were 1-0 winners, with Gilbey’s terrific 35 yard free-kick the difference between the sides in the Isthmian North opener.

The midfielder thrashed home the winner inside the first 20 minutes, after Barking had missed a second minute penalty.

And Gilbey was pleased to contribute to the victory.

“It’s always nice to score goals like that,” he said. “It is what you practice for. Ryan (Melaugh) laid the ball off to me and it was there to hit and I was pleased with it.

“From my perspective it didn’t look like a penalty,” he added. “A few of the Barking guys didn’t think it was a kick but H (Palmer) makes a great save and it set the tone.

“We were buzzing from there and we were much better from that point.”