Aldershot started in the best possible way with a goal in the second minute. Nick Crittenden took advantage of a slip by Neil Midgley before lobbing young keeper Danny Potter.
Canvey improved and Shots keeper Nikki Bull was forced to save two Ben Sedgemore strikes.
The shot-stopper also denied Kevin Braniff while at the other end his counterpart kept Darren Barnard's free-kick out.
Crittenden was in the thick of the action again but Potter was on hand to deny him before the winger had a great chance to double his tally.
A neat one-two with Dwain Clark ended with Crittenden being sent clear but he directed his shot at Potter and the chance was missed.
The second half opened with both sides keen to find the back of the net after some ugly scenes erupted leading into the break.
Aaron McLean was just inches wide with a shot that already had the fans cheering following Crittenden's cross and minutes later the young striker was again off target as he blasted over.
At the other end Braniff fired just shot but the visitors did little to trouble the home side.
Then with just five minutes to go the Shots scored a deserved second. Clark and Barnard combined to set up Jon Challinor to side-foot the ball home.
Aldershot then had a late legitimate penalty appeal turned down by referee Mr. Ward but it was of little concern as they had already done enough to register their first three points in two months.