CANVEY Island manager Danny Heale has admitted he never thought his side would be battling to secure their Ryman Premier League status come the final day of the season.

The Gulls head into tomorrow’s final game against Wingate & Finchley with their future in the division not yet secured, as they sit only two points above the final relegation place.

Canvey are one of five clubs, along with Harrow Borough, VCD Athletic, Lewes and Peacehaven & Telscombe, who are faced with the drop, having played Conference football only nine seasons ago.

And Heale says his team must go out at the Prospects Stadium and do what they have to do to remain in the division.

“I didn’t think I would be faced with this come the final day of the season,” he said. “It has been a long and difficult season but I always thought we had enough about us to stay up and I maintain that.

“We are in control of our own fate as a win will keep us up and a point will probably be enough because of our goal difference.

“It is in our own hands and we must make that count.”

Peacehaven & Telscombe occupy the final relegation spot going into the final day, two points below Canvey with an inferior goal to the Gulls (-8).

Heale watched his side grab a vital late equaliser at Leiston last weekend, although all the sides around them also picked up points, and he has issued a rallying cry to Canvey supporters to get behind the team tomorrow.

“It is massive for us,” said Heale. “We have been drumming up support and the more people there the better.

“I think we can expect a good crowd tomorrow afternoon.”

Heale confirmed the Gulls have been running through their set-piece drills ahead of the weekend, having lost 4-0 in their last home game.

They have also been dealt a blow with the news that eight-goal George Sykes, on loan from Barnet, will not play after his month-contract expired following the Leiston game.

Top scorer and captain Jay Curran is also out, although midfielder Kevin Dobinson is expected to return.

Wingate & Finchley are 12th in the league but a win could see them finish eighth. They also boast lethal striker David Knight. The former Billericay striker has already netted 29 times this term.