Canvey soccer boss Jeff King admits that his side's fabulous unbeaten run of 26 games has made him greedy for more success.

When Gulls pulled off a fabulous FA Cup win over Northampton to earn a first ever third round proper spot in the competition -- they go to Nationwide League Division One leaders Burnley a week tomorrow -- many thought they might struggle to keep their run going in a spell of four tough intervening League games.

However, not only have Canvey not been beaten, they've won three of those Ryman League Premier matches against Chesham, Purfleet and Billericay to open up a six-point lead over Gravesend, who admittedly have two matches in hand.

I suggested to King that a draw from tomorrow's visit to hugely-supported Aldershot would be a good result for his side, but he quickly countered: "I want to win there."

He added: "They beat us at our place in the second game of the season but, by their standards, are not having the greatest of seasons. They may be third but, after the Boxing Day games, we're 14 points ahead of them.

"If we could make that 17 with them having just one game in hand it would be very tough for them to get back in the title race."

Gulls' large squad will again be fully stretched tomorrow. Steve Tilson, Mick Bodley, Neil Gregory and Julian Dicks all continue on the injured list, while both Peter Smith and Adam Miller miss out through suspension.

Said King: "I purposely left Chris Duffy, who has been in tremendous form recently, out against Billericay to keep him fresh for the Aldershot game. To be honest, the one-match rest will do "Mills" good as he's played more games than any other outfield player.

"It's never easy at Aldershot as they will be backed by a 2,000 plus crowd who will really get behind them from the start.

"It will certainly be the toughest of the recent run of League matches, but if we carry on doing things the right way we're capable of winning."

There will be no shortage of backing for the visitors as supporters coaches are sold out.

There will be a last chance to book for the Cup trip to Burnley at Park Lane next Thursday.

Published Friday December 28, 2001