THE PREVIEW: The two Essex rivals met just a fortnight ago, and Canvey Island will be eyeing some home comforts after their mauling at Rookery Hill.

Sam Higgins’ hat-trick helped East Thurrock to a 4-0 win that day, with the Gulls made to rue a first-half penalty miss on a miserable evening.

Canvey will be looking for a response to a wretched second-half display against Brentwood last weekend, in a late bid to return to the play-off chase. Danny Heale’s men drew 3-3, having led 3-0 against strugglers Brentwood and are now 10 points adrift of fifth-placed Tonbridge Angels.

East Thurrock lost at home in the league for the first time in 10 weeks in their last game against Merstham, with John Coventry knowing victory tomorrow is crucial to keep them fighting at the top of the table.

Rocks are third, three points behind leaders Hampton & Richmond , and they will be keen to continue their excellent away form this campaign.

They have they second best away record in the division and have not lost in their last eight outings.

WHAT THEY SAID: Gulls boss Danny Heale said: “We needed to start picking up points and we played the best first half I have seen in a long time and then the heavens opened up and it threw us in the second-half. Brentwood kept asking questions but the conditions worked against us.

“Four points from last six and I hope we have turned a corner. It wasn’t a 4-0 against East Thurrock last time and we need to show what we can do tomorrow. They have it all to play for and we are trying to get back in the swing of things and we will give it everything.”

Rocks boss John Coventry said: “I was glad for the postponement against Farnborough because the weather is ridiculous. “It will be slightly different on a nice pitch at Canvey although if it is windy then it will be a nightmare, as it is right by the River Thames.

“This will definitely be a tough game. They feel aggrieved about the first performance, although I thought we were convincing so we need to play our game and stay focused.

“Dulwich and Hampton & Richmond are dropping points at the top of the league so that is something. But we can’t control it and just need to play our game.”

FORM GUIDE: Canvey Island: DWLLLD, East Thurrock: LWWWDW

TEAM NEWS: Canvey Island: Heale is hopeful of adding several new faces to his squad, although whether they will be registered in time for tomorrow’s game is another matter.

East Thurrock: Sammy Knott has returned to training and John Coventry could have a full squad to choose from.