Canvey Island face a big test against two of the playoff chasers this week, with Wingate & Finchley the first high flying side to visit the Moviestarr Stadium on Saturday.
Our Opponents
The Blues have enjoyed a fantastic season so far, with the club currently sitting 5th in the table and in a coveted playoff spot after 31 games. It's a long way from the early predictions, with many likely soothsayers guessing they'd be closer to the bottom than the top, and with the strength of the competition around them, they've more than merited their place thus far.
They haven't lost many games this season and have picked up 9 points from their last 6 league matches. Their last 3 matches have ended in draws though, so they'll be looking for maximum points where they can in this business end of the season.
Their league position is testimant to the top job Ahmet Rifat and his team are doing, not only in their tactics, but also in their recruitment. Experienced stalwarts like Ben Goode and Elliot Long keep a level head in the side and exciting prospects like William Cracknell and the free scoring Ruben Carvalho add a real flair. A former Gull also bolsters their ranks in Luke Deslandes - himself an attacking talent in his own right.
The Gulls have met the Blues away from home this season and, despite leading twice through Mason Hall and Luke Deslandes, a second half collapse saw them humbled in a disastrous 6-2 defeat. They'll be looking to right those wrongs this time out in an improved performance.
The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, will be looking to build on a positive performance on the road last weekend, as they picked up a point at Lewes in a 2-2 draw.
Despite being behind twice, Canvey levelled the game, with both goals coming courtesy of Sam Higgins in injury time.
They also picked up a point in their last home game following a goalless draw with Carshalton Athletic, so will be looking to turn 1 point into 3 this time around.
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Yellow Army, we thank you as always for your tremendous support. It was heartening to see many of you make the long trip down to Sussex on Saturday and you certainly made yourself heard against a large home crowd.
Now it's our turn to show that 12th man at home can be key at the weekend, and with the clock running down on the season at home now, we hope to see many of you there to cheer on the boys.
See you all on Saturday.
Come on you Gulls!
Kick Off - 3:00pm
Admission Prices
Adults - £12
Concessions - £7
U16s - £2
*Cash and card payments accepted at the gate.
Merchandise
We have a range of Merchandise available from behind the bar, including the 23/24 home and away shirts!
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open throughout the game, serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
We'll also have live football from the Premier League on our big screens, including;
12:30pm - Manchester United vs Everton
17:30pm - Arsenal vs Brentford