Canvey Island are anxiously waiting to discover how long they will have to manage without the services of key man Jeff Minton as they bid to make an impression in the Nationwide Conference.

Playmaker Minton limped out of the action after only 17 minutes of Saturday's thrilling 3-3 home draw with Tamworth with a badly bruised foot.

He was undergoing X-rays on the injury which the club hope will reveal the full extent of the injury.

Ex-Swindon and Gillingham midfielder Ty Gooden came on to do a sterling job when Minton was forced off, but there is no doubt that a lengthy spell out of action for Minton would hit Gulls hard.

Although still undefeated after three games, Canvey have yet to win in the Conference. For next Saturday's trip to Exeter, Minton looks a definite non-starter and John Keeling will also miss out after receiving his marching orders in injury-time during the weekend affair.

Keeling was introduced into the side for his full Islanders' competitive debut at left wing-back, Chris Duffy switching to the right, in an effort to give more attacking impetus.

He certainly did that, but his over-enthusiasm eventually cost him dearly.

Having picked up a booking when referee Gary Evetts decreed he had left his foot in during a tackle late on, he was unwise to try the challenge from behind which earned him his injury-time banishment.

Published Monday August 23, 2004

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