Canvey Island soccer boss Jeff King has pleaded for referees to give protection to one of the club's most priceless assets - striking star Steve Parmenter.

The former Southend United youngster, who has played Nationwide League and Conference soccer in his brief career, has been like a breath of fresh air since arriving at Park Lane last November.

Since then Ryman League Division One table-toppers Gulls have lost just two games, but Wednesday night's goalless draw at Molesey ended with a hospital trip for Parmenter after he received a whack in the face.

Said King: "I thought Steve got some cruel treatment from Molesey in the match at our place a few weeks ago, when we won 2-1, and it was no different in the return.

"Far too often he ends a game looking like a man who's been beaten up, rather than played in a football match.

"He's a tremendously skilful player who comes in for a lot of cynical treatment and referees are the only people who can do anything about it. We're certainly not asking for any special favours.

"All skilful players come in for some tough tackling, but what Steve has had to endure in some games goes a lot further than that and we're just asking for him to be given the sort of protection he deserves under the laws of the game."

Wednesday's goalless draw took Canvey four points clear at the top with three games in hand on nearest rivals Braintree.

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