Canvey Island and Billericay Town both go into Ryman League Premier Division home action tonight (Tuesday) boosted by news from yesterday's FA Umbro Trophy fifth round draw.

Gulls came out of the hat first to take on Stevenage Borough while the New Lodge side, if they eventually win their twice postponed fourth round tie at Dr Martens League eastern division Histon, will host the Hertfordshire outfit's Nationwide Conference colleagues Telford United.

The Islanders have enjoyed a dream season in knockout competitions and will now be aiming for a place in the quarter-finals by beating a Stevenage outfit who enjoyed national publicity three years ago with their FA Cup heroics against Newcastle United.

The Hertfordshire side's squad includes ex-Southend United favourite Adrian Clarke and Canvey boss Jeff King said: "A home game with Stevenage will be another big attraction for our fans - although we know we'll face a very tough task.

Although the occasion will bear little relation to the Trophy tie, Gulls did achieve a 1-1 draw at home to Stevenage in a pre-season friendly. Fifth round matches are on February 24.

The local duo have never been this far in the Trophy previously, but Billericay will have no fears about taking on Telford, beaten semi-finalists last season, after superb displays against two Conference teams in the competition last year - they knocked out Hereford at home before finally losing to Rushden and Diamonds in an away replay.

Tonight Canvey's thoughts will be on stepping up their title bid when they host struggling Croydon (7.30pm). Gulls currently trail top dogs Farnborough by 11 points with three games in hand.

As soon as news reached them late yesterday that their visit to Histon was off for a second time this evening due to the Cambridgeshire side's pitch being waterlogged, Town confirmed that they will meet Essex rivals Purfleet in the League at New Lodge tonight (7.45pm).

Looking forward - to another great home cup date are Gulls' boss Jeff King and coach Glenn Pennyfather.

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