Canvey Island continue their "impossible dream" of snatching the Ryman League title from runaway leaders Farnborough with two key games over the next 24 hours.

They follow tonight's (Wednesday's) home clash with struggling Maidenhead United by visiting another relegation-threatened side, Slough Town, tomorrow (Thursday) evening.

Gulls enjoyed a good Easter. While they were beating local rivals Billericay Town at home and picking up the maximum points at third-placed Gravesend, top dogs Farnborough saw a run of 16 straight wins come to an end.

It means that the Islanders, on paper, have the outcome of the title fight in their own hands. If they win their last 12 Premier matches, including a key visit to Farnborough on May 1, they will be champions.

In truth it is not that simple. After Thursday's game they have a one-day rest before starting on a suicidal programme of 10 League matches plus next Monday's Essex Senior Cup final in the space of just 15 days.

Canvey currently trail Farnborough by 21 points with seven games in hand but, after Thursday, the leaders will have just four matches remaining.

Said Gulls' boss Jeff King today (Wednesday): "The players did well over Easter and, while we carry on winning, we can only hope that it's putting a little doubt into Farnborough's minds.

"They have another tough game at home to Chesham, who are really flying at the moment, tomorrow night and if we can carry on getting maximum points nothing's impossible."

King knows that getting the mixture right in his 18-man squad for each game - record scorer Andy Jones is the only player currently on the injured list - is an important factor.

Tomorrow (Thursday) will also be a key date for both Canvey and Farnborough as the Nationwide Conference meet to decide whether the two top clubs' facilities are up to standard for elevation to their competition if they win the Ryman title.

There is just two days to go before full details are announced exclusively in Echosport on ticket sales for Canvey's FA Umbro Trophy final date at Villa Park on May 13.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday.

By Dick Marshall

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

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