Canvey Island's Nationwide Conference dreams may almost certainly be over for another year, but that won't take anything away from south Essex fans enjoying the traditional Bank Holiday fare at New Lodge on Monday when Billericay Town host the Gulls.

The encounter kicks-off at 3pm and will see Jeff King's men attempting to step-up their bid to finish the season in runners-up spot.

Thanks a lot - Canvey Island commemorated the Southend United testimonial of their former skipper Steve Tilson by presenting him with an inscribed silver plate before Tuesday's game with Aldershot. "Tilly" is seen with Gulls chief executive Keith Johnson (left) and supporters club chairman Chris Gardner. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Billericay, for their part, will be trying to push their makeshift side to another win, having ended a barren spell of ten matches without victory last weekend when they beat Maidenhead United 2-0 at home.

Tuesday's 1-0 home defeat by top dogs Aldershot sentenced Canvey to fail in their bid to win the Ryman Premier and, for a third year on the trot, they look like finishing second best.

That match at least did provide the Islanders with massive gate receipts from a record paying crowd of 3,553. But, in the cold light of day, Shots need just four points from their last five matches to take the title.

Gulls, who start their Easter programme tomorrow at home to a Chesham United side still on the fringes of the relegation zone, will certainly not want to see their form fall away as, apart from cementing runners-up spot, they still have a cup final to play.

That comes on the following Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, when they go to Hornchurch to take on Yeading with the prize on offer being the Bryco Cup.

Before they play Canvey, Billericay face another Essex derby tomorrow when they face a trip to Ford United.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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