Canvey will be without the services of Ty Gooden for tomorrow's Ryman Premier Essex derby at Heybridge Swifts.

Gooden was forced off with a hamstring pull in last week's FA Trophy quarter-final win over Maidenhead.

"I'd been out with a groin injury and perhaps suffered the hamstring problem because I was over-compensating for the previous trouble," the midfielder said.

"I reckon I could be on the sidelines for up to three weeks, but I certainly have a target to aim for with our Trophy semi-final against Shrewsbury or Telford coming up at the end of the month."

Gulls are adamant that all Trophy thoughts are now at the back of their minds as they bid to continue their march towards the title and a place in the Nationwide Conference next season.

Tomorrow they could have Steve Ward back in defensive action after missing four games with back trouble, while manager Jeff King still hankers to give another rearguard man, experienced Peter Smith, a full game.

For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section

Published Friday March 5, 2004

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