With leaders Dagenham and Redbridge looking odds-on certainties for the title - they went 14 points clear at the top with a midweek win over nearest rivals St Albans - Canvey Island are determined to be involved in the battle for the Ryman League Premier Division runners-up spot.
They currently stand fifth in their first season in the top flight, but have Dulwich - two points above them - and third-placed Chesham - another two points clear but from two games more - firmly in their sights.
Gulls bounced back from a rare bad spell of three straight defeats to overtake Gravesend and Northfleet with a 4-1 home thrashing last weekend.
Tomorrow they go to relegation strugglers Harrow Borough, but manager Jeff King is mindful of the fact that most of their bad results this season have been against poorer sides.
"A lot of it is down to complacency." he admitted. "It's up to me to get through to the players that we mustn't let it happen."
On Saturday the Islanders will be without star midfielder Chris Duffy, who starts a three-match ban after being sent off in the FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Sutton United two weeks ago.
He will also miss Tuesday's Essex Senior Cup visit to Jewson League Clacton Town, a tie which will offer the winners a home semi-final with either Southend United or Barking.
Absentee - midfielder Chris Duffy starts a three-match ban tomorrow
Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
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