MARK Bentley has challenged Canvey Island’s Ryan Melaugh to be more productive in the final third of the pitch.

Melaugh scored just three goals as the Gulls endured a frustrating season last term.

But Melaugh has now scored in each of his last three appearances and Bentley is hoping that the winger will take his fine form into the new Isthmian North campaign.

Canvey boss Bentley said: “Ryan is a great lad.

“He has been great in pre-season and I want to make him more confident.

“I want him to be more effective in the final third.

“He started to show that he can be more effective at the end of last season.

“Ryan wants to get behind players and I think we have been missing that.

“He can play behind the striker as well as out wide, so I want him to get more goals and assists in the upcoming season.

“Ryan has scored in our first two friendlies and also scored in the last game of the season, so the signs are good.

“If we build his confidence, I’m sure Ryan will go onto have a very productive season.”

Canvey are set to welcome Rob Small’s Bowers & Pitsea to Park Lane for their latest pre-season friendly tomorrow.

While the Gulls were frustrated with their term, Bowers had a season to remember as they were crowned as the Isthmian North champions.

And Bentley feels it is the ideal contest for his players as they step up their preparations for the upcoming campaign.

The former Southend United midfielder added: “It will be a difficult game for us as Bowers are a good side.

“They ran away with the league and rightly finished as champions last season.

“It’s the kind of test we need at this stage of pre-season.

“Bowers have managed to keep their squad together and they have also made some strong signings.

“Kenzer Lee is a very good defender and he’ll prove to be a very good addition for them.”

And Bentley hopes the pitch will have improved since last weekend’s 3-1 win over Hornchurch.

“Hopefully the pitch is in better condition than it was last Saturday,” admitted Bentley.

“The grass was kept long to protect it ahead of the new season.

“The goalmouth, in particular, is a concern for me.

“But I’m confident that the pitch will be one of the best pitches, if not the best, in the Isthmian North.”