Canvey Island face major injury problems as they prepare for what manager Jeff King expects to be one of their toughest challenges of the season tomorrow.

The runaway Ryman Premier leaders visit Dr Martens Premier third-placed side Stafford Rang ers, who twice won the competition in the 1970s, aiming for a place in the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

They'll definitely make the journey without influential midfield man Jeff Minton, who has a continuation of hamstring problems.

However, it's up front that Gulls have their major worries. Goal machine Lee Boylan, who missed Tuesday's 4-0 League success over Hitchin, faces a late test on a leg strain.

And Junior McDougald, who stood in for the 37-goal hero on the night, has a bruised foot.

On the plus side the Islanders "action man" John Kennedy, also out on Tuesday after having stitches in a thigh wound suffered a week ago at Northwood, has reported himself fit to return.

King has always insisted that the Trophy, which Gulls won in such glorious style three years ago, is secondary in priorities to collecting the title and promotion to the Nationwide Conference.

But, with his side now 19 points clear of the field in the league and near certainties to be champions after three seasons as bridesmaids, the Trophy could be about to start offering major attractions to the Canvey boss.

Including tomorrow's affair, the next three rounds are to be played over the next month and King admits: "If we're still there in four weeks we'll be heading for the semi-finals and the Trophy will certainly be taking on a new meaning for us once again."

Published Friday January 30, 2004

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