Skipper Peter Cavanagh gave them a 39th minute lead when he moved in at the far post to convert a left-wing cross from star man Gary Roberts.
And it was much admired left winger Roberts, again being watched by a bevy of scouts from higher division clubs including Premiership Wigan, who supplied the ball from which Paul Mullin wrapped up the scoring after 67 minutes.
The first half was a scrappy affair with both sides failing to get the better of two well-drilled defences.
But the game opened up after the break with the visitors being the dominant side.
Only outstanding goalkeeping from the home side's Danny Potter, who saved well from Roberts and then kept out Mullin's close-range effort from the rebound, stopped Accrington going further ahead before they notched their second.
Canvey came more into the game from an attacking point of view as the half progressed, although they were unable to really trouble Rob Elliott in the visiting goal.
In fact, his busiest spell came when he twice had to turn over the top in-swinging corners from the left by Mario Noto.
Late in the game Canvey had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when lively winger Jonh Keeling appeared to be brought down from behind in the box.
The referee angered home fans further by booking the Canvey man for diving.
But there was no denying that Accrington deserved the three points and they'll now look to increase their lead at the top with victory at Tamworth on Tuesday.
