Canvey Island go into tonight's battle of the giants at Gravesend determined not to alter their normal pure footballing style despite the importance of the occasion.

The two sides are locked together on 85 points apiece at the top of the Ryman League Premier Division with ex-Southend United full-back Andy Ford's Gravesend having a game in hand.

The Islanders have a goal difference ten better than their opponents, but both managers are in full agreement that the winners this evening will not necessarily be certainties to clinch the crown and a place in the Nationwide Conference that goes with it.

Said King: "Whoever wins tonight it will help a great deal in their title quest, but we'll still have six games to play and them seven.

"We've gone to places like Villa Park in last season's FA Umbro Trophy final against Conference side Forest Green and still played our normal game. There will be no difference tonight."

King, with a touch of irony knowing that he's very much an anti-hero in the eyes of the Gravesend faithful, said: "The big difference in style between the two sides is that we play football and they play rugby!

"They rely heavily on a far more direct approach than us and I fully expect that they'll also try to knock us out of our footballing stride. It's up to us to make sure we don't let them."

While Gravesend expect to have a full strength squad to choose from, Gulls have Mick Bodley definitely out and face a selection dilemma in midfield.

While the rest of the 5-3-2 line-up is established, King will perm three from Steve Parmenter, Adam Miller, Mark Stimson, Steve Tilson, Micky Bennett, Spencer Knight and new signing Danny Bolt to win the vital battle in the centre of the park.

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002