THIS AFTERNOON’S MATCH PREVIEW – CANVEY ISLAND (AWAY)

Something’s got to give as Dulwich travel to an inform Canvey Island side, the Hamlet looking to keep up the momentum after 3 wins in 4 league outings

The Islanders are currently sniffing around the fringes of the playoff plays and come into this afternoon’s encounter on the back of three straight wins on the road to snap a poor run of form as August turned to September. After losing just once in their opening five games Canvey suffered a dramatic loss of form, a solitary single goal win at home to struggling VCD the only bright light in as dismal run of eight league games where just four points were accumulated.

The FA Cup provided welcome relief with a 4-1 win away to Hertford Town followed by a squeaky 1-0 win away to Southern Premier League side Burnham with former Dulwich striker Ishmail Kamara grabbing his first goal for the Gulls and setting up a trip to Barton Rovers next Saturday. That resilient result served as tasty meat in the sandwich for back-to-back league wins in Essex derbies that propelled the Gulls to within a win of the playoff spots.

A late goal from against his former club from Harrison Chatting gave Canvey Island a narrow victory up at Billericay Tow’s New Lodge last Monday week before the the Gulls turned over another local rival in the shape of Grays Athletic, winning 2-1 last Wednesday. Fighting back from a goal down after ten minutes the Islanders striker John Sands to thank after bagged a double with goals either side of half time.

Speaking to local newspaper the Echo Gulls manager Danny Heale says expects a tough test against the Hamlet.

“Dulwich are a good footballing side,” said Heale. “They will come here and try to play their game but we beat them last season so are confident we can do well against them.

“We came through the Grays match unscathed so should have a full squad to choose from. Kevin Dobinson came off with an eye injury but he should be ok."

In addition, Heale was full of praise for his team’s performance against Grays.

“We did very well after a sloppy start,” he said. “We scored just before the break and about five minutes into the second half and they are great times to score. In all honesty we dominated most of the game so we deserved the win.”

However, Heale will be without key players in the form of winger Jay Curran and midfielder Tambeson Eyong due to suspension.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at The Prospects Stadium, Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7PX – Directions can be found here

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10.00 Adults
• £6.00 Concessions (students with valid ID, over-60's)
• £1.00 for supporters aged 16 and under.