Canvey could have played a leading part in relaunching the Nationwide League career of midfielder Kevin James.

Once on Charlton's books, James was with Gulls' Ryman League Premier Division rivals Farnborough Town on loan last season.

He was hugely impressive for the Islanders in their opening two friendlies of the season - so much so that, after the second in which James arguably looked the best player on the field, opponents Gillingham offered him a two-match trial.

So tomorrow, as Canvey continue their build-up for the forthcoming campaign with a home game against Dr Martens League Chelmsford City (3pm), James will be taking the field for the newly-promoted Division One club against Premiership Manchester City in a friendly.

Gulls' coach Glenn Pennyfather was philisophical on the matter and said: "It's obviously a risk you take if you play pre-season games against Football League sides.

"We're confident that, if Kevin doesn't get an offer at Football League level, he'll sign for us.

"Obviously good luck to him if he gets the chance of a League career, we'd be delighted for him, but there's also part of me that hopes he has a couple of real stinkers and comes back to us. He's got a huge amount of talent."

One young trialist who has been making a name for himself and is still involved in the Park Lane scene is 20-year-old striker Wayne Vaughan, who was a regular scorer with Spurs Academy team earlier in his career.

He has notched a goal in each of the Islanders' last two games. Tomorrow could see the first playing appearance of the season for Canvey skipper Steve Tilson, providing he gets no reaction from a sore knee which has kept him out of the opening three games.

Chelmsford, who have made a good pre-season start, have made a number of quality signings during the summer and will come to the game boosted by the news that plans have finally gone in for their new stadium.

This will eventually bringing to an end their spell as tenants at Billericay Town's New Lodge ground.

Despite following up a 1-0 victory over Colchester United with 2-1 defeats at the hands of the Kent duo of Gillingham and Sittingbourne, Pennyfather admits to being satisfied with Gulls' build-up so far.

He said: "I've been pleased with our organisation and shape and the level of fitness we've shown for such an early stage."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.