Canvey Island are confident of beating the cold spell tomorrow and getting into action in an FA Trophy competition which is so warm to their hearts.

Gulls won the trophy in 2000 and manager Jeff King admits his side are hungry for a repeat performance.

Tomorrow they host Dr Martens League Western Division Cirencester Town for a place in the last 32.

But they will be without suspended Steve Parmenter, who completes a three-match ban, while Matt Jones and Spencer Knight are both missing through illness.

With recent signing from Braintree, Gavin Cowan, cup-tied, Micky Bennett will line-up alongside Steve Ward and Ben Chenery in the heart of defence.

New Finnish international signing Jukka Ruhanen is included in the squad, but is likely to hold a watching brief as he is yet to play a game since joining Gulls a week ago today.

Cirencester, managed by ex-Cheltenham, Swindon and Torquay player Brian Hughes, include two former Cheltenham men, lanky young front runner Gareth Hopkins and experienced midfielder Keith Knight, but are mainly made up of players who have come through the club's highly-productive academy system.

King said: "After what happened two years ago, the Trophy will always be special to this club.

"We've trained on the pitch tonight and the snow which hasn't gone yet will be cleared on Saturday morning. We're very hopeful of playing."

For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

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