JOE Paxman is certain Canvey Island can reach the play-offs this season.

Canvey host Folkestone Invicta this weekend looking to bounce back from two successive defeats.

But Paxman is still confident the Gulls have what it takes to secure a top five finish in the Isthmian Premier Division.

“I am definitely still hopeful of a play-off spot and promotion is our target,” said Paxman.

“We are a close knit group and we know what we are capable of with this team.

“It’s an extremely competitive league and it seems everyone is capable of beating everyone on their day.

“That’s why we need to be at our best and find that consistency to get on a nice winning streak.”

Canvey are currently ninth in the table, six points behind fifth placed Wingate & Finchley with a game in hand.

But Paxman remains frustrated by the recent results.

“I think losing any game is frustrating but after having back to back wins with very good performances against two tough teams and then having back to back defeats just increases our frustration,” said Paxman.

“We just seem to be lacking the consistency we need right now. “It’s a tough league, with some great teams and players, so we need to be at our best week in week out, picking up points in every game.”

And that quest will continue this weekend as Canvey host a Folkestone side who sit 15th in the standings.

“It’s always important to bounce back after a defeat, even more so after two on the bounce and a reaction is definitely needed,” said Paxman.

“With games coming thick and fast we can’t dwell on any defeat and our focus is now fully onto Folkestone on Saturday.