THE PREVIEW: Canvey Island head into a difficult fixture with the confidence of back-to-back wins behind them.

Wins against Lewes and Harrow Borough have lifted the Gulls into 11th and all but secured their status, after a wretched couple of months had left Danny Heale’s men looking over their shoulders.

However, a trip to league favourites Hampton & Richmond Borough will test their new-found form, with Hampton running out 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture midway through January.

Heale says Canvey are already looking to next season, with assistant manager Joe Keith taking up his role as number two for the first time after his move from East Thurrock.

WHAT HE SAID: Gulls boss Danny Heale said: “We feel we have turned a bit of a corner and we have got a better unit at the squad.

“Every manager wants to get to 50 points and see where you are from there. We have 52 and want to finish as high as we possibly can. We believe we are safe and we are now looking to see what we can do and people are playing for their places for next season.

“It will be tough and they are flying and they have big backing. The pressure is all on them and they have to show why they are at the top.”

FORM GUIDE: WWLDWL

TEAM NEWS: Defender Steve Sheehan begins a two game ban although Lawrence Yiga will replace him in the side after completing a suspension of his own. Merrick James-Lewis has left the club due to work and travel commitments.