Canvey Island will gave late fitness tests to their two joint leading scorers, skipper Steve Tilson and Paul Cobb before tomorrow's (Saturday's) home Ryman League Premier Division game with Basingstoke Town.

Tilly is still troubled by an Achilles problem, while £5000 summer signing Cobb has a groin strain.

Both were rested from the starting line-up when Gulls moved to second in the table with home success over Maidenhead United on Tuesday and have netted eight goals apiece this term.

Victory could easily see Gulls on top of the table as current leader Braintree, two points ahead from a game more, have a tough visit to third-placed Gravesend and Northfleet. Find out more about Canvey Island FC Basingstoke enjoyed a good 2000/01 campaign and, finishing third in the table, were immediately behind the Islanders.

They are managed by former Fulham favourite Ernie Howe. They are currently tenth in the table, but with a game in hand on most of the clubs above them.

Said Canvey coach Glenn Pennyfather: "They are notoriously difficult to break down. They will get plenty of players behind the ball and it's likely to be the type of game where an early goal would be a major bonus for us."

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