Canvey may be building up for their bid to get through to the last 16 of the FA Trophy against Nationwide Conference Northwich Victoria a week today.

But they will not start thinking about that clash until after two key Ryman Premier away games being played in the next four days against relegation strugglers.

Gulls go to fifth-from-bottom Essex rivals Heybridge Swifts tomorrow before visiting a Bishop's Stortford side in an even worse penultimate position on Tuesday.

Sitting it out : Jukka Ruhanen, seen here in action for Canvey against Aylesbury last weekend, will miss tomorrow's trip to Heybridge Swifts due to a toe injury

Said manager Jeff King: "As far as we're concered it's one match at a time.

"We've done well to get right back in the title race with a run of six games without defeat and it would be crazy to wreck it by letting the Trophy game dominate our thoughts."

Swifts have signed experienced non-league striker Steve Portway this week in a bid to help escape their plight in the league -- and also face a key Trophy match at fellow Premier side Hendon, currently fourth in the table, on Tuesday night.

Added King: "I wish Heybridge all the best in their attempts to get out of trouble -- provided their revival starts after this weekend."

Canvey may have to manage without the services of new Finnish international striker Jukka Ruhanen.

He made a bright full debut in last week's 2-1 home win over Aylesbury, but is suffering from a toe injury. Spencer Knight and Matt Jones remain on the sidelines.

On the Trophy game King admitted: "It's a shame for our fans that the game has to be played on Friday night as many of them won't be able to make the trip. But those who do go could be in for a real thriller."

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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