HARRISON Chatting is under no illusions about the size of the challenge that faces Canvey Island this weekend.

The Gulls midfielder is preparing for a daunting double-header against title-chasing Havant & Waterlooville and play-off hopefuls Billericay Town.

Yet with Canvey only three points above the Ryman Premier League relegation places, they cannot afford a pointless return this weekend.

And Chatting, 25, says everyone knows the significance of today's and Monday's matches – with Havant the visitors this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

“It is a massive weekend,” he said. “We are only three points above the drop zone and we have the worst goal difference as well which doesn’t help.

“Both games are important for us. Havant are still battling to win the league and it is a huge one for them as they won’t want the lottery of the play-offs.

“We play Billericay on Monday and they are still in with a chance of the play-offs so it will be a big one for them as well, although we are in good form.

“We have won six of the last eight games and the only loss was at the league leaders. It is amazing to think we have won so many and we are still where we are. All we can do is keep putting the points on the board.”

Chatting has been on the fringes of the team in recent times. The Langdon Hills based midfielder’s last start was on February 18 and he has recently sat out three matches after he was sent off against Wingate & Finchley.

He accepts it has been hard to get back into the fold with the team in such good form.

But he hopes to be involved over the weekend, with the former New Lodge youth product hopeful of a role in front of another bumper crowd on Monday.

“I have not been involved much recently as I have been suspended and been on the bench,” he said. “The boys have been working hard and we have that resilience now – as the point against Staines last weekend proved.

“I can’t wait for the Billericay game,” added Chatting, who was at Billericay between 2004 and 2012. “I love the club and I am happy they are doing well.

“The new owner is spending a lot of money but it is good for non-league football and I can’t wait for the match.

“I hear there may be more than 2,000 people at the game and there is nothing more enjoyable that playing in front of a crowd like that. We know we need points badly though.”


l RUNDOWN: Canvey Island face one of the most significant weekends of their season as they do battle with Havant & Waterlooville and Billericay Town.

Havant, second in the Ryman Premier League and a point off leaders Bognor Regis Town, are strong favourites for the clash.

Thumping 4-0 winners earlier in the season, Havant have not conceded a goal in their last three matches against the Gulls.

But manager Danny Heale will take heart from the fact that the only time they met in Essex, the game ended goalless.

Canvey would take a point in this game ahead of the big derby at New Lodge three days later, where a rumoured 2,000 people could be present.

Billericay know nothing but three points will do – although defeat at Leatherhead two days earlier would all but render their play-off bid defunct.

Three points from these two games would be a huge boost to Canvey’s survival hopes, ahead of a final day showdown against AFC Sudbury.

l WHEN AND WHERE: (Havant) Today at 3pm at the Frost Financial Stadium, Park Lane, Canvey Island, SS8 7PX. (Billericay) Monday at 3pm at New Lodge, Blunts Wall Lane, Billericay, CM12 9SA

l TICKET PRICES: Today: Adults £10, over 60’s/students £6, U16s £1. Monday: Adults £10, over 65s/concessions £7, children U18s £3

l TEAM NEWS: Steve Sheehan, Jay Curran and Ashley Dumas are doubts.