CANVEY Island manager Danny Heale says he has done his homework ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup preliminary round clash with Witham Town.

Both sides have had less than satisfactory openings to the new Isthmian North season, with Canvey’s point at AFC Sudbury all either team has to show for their efforts so far.

A 3-2 defeat to Tilbury on Tuesday followed the Gulls’ draw in Suffolk, as late goals once again cost Canvey some points.

Witham were beaten 3-0 at Bowers & Pitsea on the same night, although Heale believes they will be a tough opponent.

“We had them watched against Bowers and my report tells me they were unlucky and the result flattered Bowers,” said Heale.

“It will be another difficult test and may the best side win. If we play how we have in the last two games I am confident that will be us.”

Heale said Canvey should have six points to their name in the league instead of one so far.

Individual errors cost Canvey once again on Tuesday, with goalkeeper Conor Gough set to miss the match with a knee injury.

But Heale remains supportive of his players.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the players in the way they battled back from conceding early to take the lead in the first half on Tuesday,” he said.

“We hit the post and bar and it should have been comfortable. But two individual errors have cost us the game.

“We should be sitting here with six points.

“But we look good and sharp and we just need to take the chances when they come.”