SIMON Thomas said maintaining Canvey Island’s unbeaten run since his return is a must when they host Folkestone Invicta.

The 32-year-old striker from Leigh rejoined the Gulls earlier this year, with the team taking four points from the two matches he has featured in to date - scoring in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Burgess Hill Town.

And the targetman says making it seven points from the last nine is a must when Canvey take on the side that thumped them 6-0 in November - with Thomas citing payback.

“We are at the stage where we need to be getting three points,” said Thomas, with Canvey occupying the Ryman Premier League relegation places.

“I spoke to a few of the boys and they said we were spanked 6-0 by them and the guys that were here then need to remember that and that we owe them.

“We are at home and we must get three points nothing less.

“The two games I have played since coming back have been fantastic,” he added. “I got back about three weeks ago and have been training with the team. I played a few games at Basildon United to get game time but my first Canvey game was on the bench against Bognor Regis and we lost 5-0. I was not fit so didn’t feature.

“But is was great to get back on the scoresheet against Burgess Hill after a good team display at Met Police (4-0 win). Keeping a clean sheet was arguably the most satisfying part of the performance as there haven’t been enough of them.

“Burgess Hill was another tough one and it is always nice to score. And, although it’s a good added point, a lot of the boys, myself included, felt we could have won the game.”

Despite their drubbing of Canvey three months ago, Folkestone are far from assured their place in the league next season.

Just six points separate the two teams and Thomas, who was playing for Royston Town in the Southern Premier League before returning to Canvey, said getting things right on the pitch is hugely important after all the good work off of it.

“It was a shock to walk back in and see the new clubhouse,” he said. “It looks great and it is on the pitch there are problems.

“We must turn it around.”