The eagerly-awaited Billericay Town v Canvey Island Ryman League Premier Division match tomorrow (Saturday) should keep many away from last minute Christmas shopping.

This weekend is notoriously bad for crowds as preparations for the big day generally keep many supporters away from soccer, but this is a match few will want to miss.

The recent fantastic FA Cup performances, plus the fact that they are battling for the Ryman leadership, has certainly put Jeff King's Islanders in the public spotlight, but Gary Calder's New Lodge side have shown some encouraging signs in the past week.

With Chris Duffy coming through without problems in Tuesday night's Essex Senior Cup win over Barkingside, and Adam Miller likely to be recovered from the twisted ankle which has sidelined him for the past two games, Gulls are likely to only be missing Peter Smith, recovering from a shoulder operation, tomorrow.

The home Billericay camp had defender Kevin Jordan back after a lengthy absence for Tuesday's FA Umbro Trophy success at Hastings and, with front runner Richard Dunwell also close to fitness now, could be at full strength.

Said Gulls' boss Jeff King: "We've shown a refreshing attitude since our FA Cup defeat against Southend United and have pulled off a good win over St Albans in the League and at home to Barkingside in the County Cup.

"We certainly won't be looking for an easy time against Billericay. Derby games always have a special edge to them and they have pulled off a couple of good battling wins in the past week."

Town were without unavailable former Leicester City front runner Danny Boateng for the Hastings success, but went for a "brains rather than brawn" striking line-up of Simon Spencer and Joe Baker.

Calder could continue with that plan tomorrow if late efforts to sign a new front runner fall through and said: "Everyone acknowledges what a fantastic job Jeff and coach Glenn Pennyfather have done at Canvey, but they know we'll give them a real game and neither will be taking anything for granted."

Gulls will have to make changes for their Boxing Day Park Lane clash with Gravesend (1pm) as skipper Steve Tilson and striker Neil Gregory sit out the action due to one match bans, imposed under the bookings "totting up" procedure.

Billericay travel across the county to take on a Heybridge Swifts side likely to include ex New Lodge favourite Gary Waters and Chris Payne on Boxing Day (11am).

(Right) Good comeback - Billericay defender KevinJordan made a solid return from injury in Tuesday's FA Trophy success at Hastings.

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

(Left) Fit again - Adam Miller

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.