MARK Bentley believes Canvey Island could not be facing a tougher challenge this weekend.

The Gulls make the trip to Cambridgeshire to face Soham Town Rangers in an Isthmian North clash tomorrow.

Canvey, who are 13th, have lost seven of their last eight outings and Bentley is weary of a Soham side fighting for survival.

“This is the worst game we could have hoped for,” said Bentley.

“They bashed us up when we played them at home.

“Soham are a well organised team and have a striker, in Sam Mulready, who is in great form.

“My players will need to roll their sleeves up because Soham will be up for the game.

“But we have had a really positive week in training and I have spoken to a few individuals to see what frame of mind they are in.

“The players are playing for personal pride now and there is no worse feeling in football than losing.

“I hate going home after a game and having my son say ‘dad, you lost again’.”