Ollie Berquez is likely to partner goal machine Lee Boylan in the Canvey Island strike force tonight as Gulls bid to move closer to their Ryman Premier title dream.

Praised - goalkeeper Danny Potter celebrates his FA Trophy semi-final penalty save, which was hailed by boss Jeff King Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

While the Islanders were claiming their place in next month's FA Trophy final with penalty shootout success over Telford United on Saturday, other league results left Jeff King's men needing just five points from their final nine games to clinch the championship and gain a place in the Nationwide Conference for next term.

With Neil Gregory still sidelined by an ankle problem and Junior McDougald nursing a ligament injury following Saturday's success, Berquez - signed last season from Braintree - steps in with a glowing reference from boss King.

"Ollie has come in on a number of occasions in different roles and has always done an excellent job for us," he said.

Ex-Football League midfielder Ty Gooden, who had a lenghty spell out prior to his return for the two-legged Trophy semi-final, is likely to be rested for tonight's trip to Kingstonian.

The two recent ex-Football League signings, Dave "Mad Dog" McGhee, from Leyton Orient, and former Brentford and Barnsley man Paul Gibbs, could be involved tonight.

"If we can win this evening it will leave us going into our two Easter games, at Thurrock on Friday and home to Billericay on Monday, needing just two points to claim the title," said King.

For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section

Published Tuesday April 6, 2004

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