Micky Bennett is just about the only person to benefit from the decision to switch Canvey Island's FA Trophy fourth round clash with Nationwide Conference side Northwich Victoria to this evening (7.45pm).

The tie, which will see the winners through to the last 16, should have been played tomorrow afternoon but the Cheshire side no longer have a ground of their own and share with Unibond League Division One Witton Albion.

Micky Bennett - set to play tonight before starting a one-match ban Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

As landlords, Witton have first call on the ground and have a league game, ironically against an Eastwood Town side who will be travelling just a few miles down the road, tomorrow.

And, despite the prestige of the Trophy, the FA admitted they had no powers to give the Canvey match preference.

It means large groups of Gulls' yellow army of fans missing the trip -- but Bennett has benefited.

After picking up his fifth booking of the season a fortnight ago in the home Ryman Premier game with Aylesbury, the defender would have missed out on a ban if the game had gone ahead tomorrow. But the Friday date leaves him free to play.

With Gavin Cowan cup-tied, manager Jeff King is likely to use Bennett in a three-man defence alongside Steve Ward and Ben Chenery.

With John Kennedy and Chris Duffy certain of the wing-back roles, and the deadly duo of Neil Gregory and Lee Boylan automatic choices up front, King's last-minute selection posers surround who partners Jeff Minton in central midfield.

The composition in that area is clouded until Lee Protheroe and Finnish international Jukka Ruhanen undergo late fitness tests.

Others involved are Steve Parmenter and Mark Brennan -- the latter may return for the first time since November for his experience in a role in front of the back three.

Published Friday, January 31, 2003

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