STEVE Tilson says he’s expecting a tough examination for his Canvey side today from a visiting Met Police outfit who he rates as one of the best sides in the division.

The play-off chasing Gulls come into the weekend on the back of three straight wins – the latest with an excellent performance at Lewes – but Tilson is taking nothing for granted heading into the weekend.

“We were much better than Lewes and should have beat them by a few more, but I’m expecting a tougher test against Met Police because I rate them as one of the best three sides we’ve played this season,” said Tilson.

“They were well worth their win against us at their place so we will need to be at our best to get something from the game.”

Tilson again underlined his desire to bring in another couple of new players, but said it was proving a frustrating search.

And on the decision of key central defender Rickie Hayles to rejoin his former club Hornchurch, Tilson said: “He went back because they offered him more money and it’s on his door step there.

“Of course I’m disappointed to lose him, because he did well for us, but I’d never try to keep a player here who does not want to be here.”

And on the return to Canvey of winger Dean Mason – who left earlier in the season and had a short spell at East Thurrock – Tilson said: “Dean came back from Belgium and he did not have a club so we have brought him back. He knows me and the set-up here so it made sense.”

Met Police are eight points off the play-off places and arrive on the back of a 3-1 defeat at home to Lowestoft on Wednesday.

They came from a goal down to beat Canvey 2-1 in the reverse fixture in September.

Canvey will gave late fitness tests to Richard Orlu (leg) and James Hawes (groin) ahead of today's game, which kicks-off at 3pm at the Prospects Stadium.

After the match, singer/songwriter Adam Duffill will entertain patrons with a free gig in the clubhouse at the Prospects Stadium.