CANVEY Island could be in the happy position of going into their final game of the season on Saturday week with their place in the play-offs cemented.

Victory in tomorrow's Essex derby at Maldon could clinch their spot in the end of season promotion mix prior to the home game with Enfield Town a week tomorrow.

Tomorrow's hosts are seven points behind a Gulls side currently filling the final play-off position with a game in hand.

Said Canvey boss John Batch: "I bet the Maldon players are being told by their management that they're still in it.

"Certainly I would be if it was me. I'd never give up on anything while mit was mathematically possible. From our point of view it would be great to be certain of the play-offs before the last game. If we could sit back and relax next week it would be a bonus.

"Whatever happens the players have done an excellent job for the club in getting into this position and it's good that some who've missed a lot of action through injury such as striker Ian Luck have stepped in recently and been able to offer something fresh."

Midfielder Richard Halle is expected to have recovered from a knock received in Tuesday's Essex Thames-side Trophy semi-final defeat of Ilford to continue in the side.

Canvey are holding a karaoke night in their Park Lane clubhouse tomorrow from 8pm.