Canvey Island and Southend United are set for the greatest ever local David v Goliath battle following their FA Cup first round replays.

For both pulled off tremendous first round replay extra-time successes by 2-1 scorelines to set up an eagerly-anticipated second round clash in the AXA-sponsored competition on Saturday week.

The tie is due at the Islanders' Park Lane home - and officials of the Ryman League Premier Division minnows will fight tooth and nail to try and keep it that way.

Said proud Gulls' boss Jeff King, after seeing his part-timers take on and beat their Nationwide League Division Two hosts: "I've said right from the time the Southend game became a possibility that if it came about we wouldn't relinquish home advantage unless it was forced on us.

"Now it's become a reality and nothing has changed. It wouldn't be right for the players, officials and, most importantly the fans, who have played such a major part in our success story.

"I'm sure a lot of people are going to have their say about the venue, but it has all the makings of a tremendous local derby with five of our players, Steve Tilson, Mick Bodley, Mark Stimson Craig Davidson and Adam Miller, having been on their books at various times at Roots Hall.

"At the moment all I want to do is reflect on the enormity of what we've achieved tonight with our first ever competitive win over Football League opposition. I couldn't be more proud of all the players."

Southend United boss David Webb said he was looking forward to taking on their near neighbours. "It's very nice to get Canvey in the next round," he said.

"But I suppose they'll be asking for passports to get on to the island now. You'll have to park up for three weeks to get anywhere near the game."

And the Blues chief said he was keeping an open mind about where the game should be played, with Southend fans favouring a switch to Roots Hall, although Canvey were pulled out of the hat with home advantage.

"I don't care where it is played," added Webb. "The final decision will be down to the safety people and the police.

"I'm sure Canvey would like to play us at their Park Lane ground. But on the other hand you can't take their glory away from them.

"They've gone up to Port Vale and won and they'll probably fancy their chances of turning us over at Roots Hall as well!"

But Webb did suggest a tongue in cheek neutral alternative for the big match.

"Maybe we should play the game at West Ham," said the Shrimpers' manager. "It would be nice to be able to get as many people as possible at the game which is sure to stir up a lot of local interest.

"Canvey would make more money if they played at Roots Hall, but they've got to decide what they want more, the glory or the cash.

"Whatever happens, the one sure thing is that one of our local sides will be in the third round and will have a great chance of pulling out one of the big boys."

Finally, Webb praised his goalscorers, defender Leo Roget and pocket midfielder Russell Williamson, who sank Torquay at Roots Hall last night.

"Leo's winner was very special, which is what you expect in FA Cup ties," he said. "As for Russell, that's his second FA Cup goal for us and he's obviously enjoying the competition."

Blues owner Ron Martin said: "I'd like to have Canvey at Roots Hall and I've told Jack King that," said Martin. "But he told me he wanted the game played at Canvey."

(Right) Up for the Cup - Gulls manager Jeff King and his players celebrate beating Port Vale 2-1

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

(Left) Clap hands - Martin Carruthers congratulates Leo Roget on his match winner over Torquay at Roots Hall last night

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

and Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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