THE PREVIEW: Having won seven league matches in a row, Canvey are without a win in their last three in the Ryman Premier League – a record they are looking to set straight tomorrow.

The Gulls travel to Surrey to take on Merstham, the side that were promoted from Ryman One South via the play-offs last term.

Merstham sit 17th in the league, although much of that is down to their away form. At home they have struggled, with seven defeats from their opening 10 home encounters and Canvey will look to take advantage of that.

Top scorer Martin Tuohy returned to training this week following a hamstring injury and could be involved, adding to what would be a formidable front line with Tony Stokes and George Sykes.

WHAT HE SAYS: Canvey boss Danny Heale said: “We have had a good week’s training and we feel in a positive frame of mind ahead of this game.

“We have some players returning and I feel if a few decisions go our way we will be fine. We haven’t been getting the rub of the green in recent weeks and that was the case in the FA Trophy last week. If we had 11 men we would have got a replay (the game ended 2-0 to Met Police).

“But we are looking forward to this game and if we play at our best I believe we will get the points.

FORM GUIDE: LWLWDL

TEAM NEWS: George Sykes returns, Martin Tuohy, left, could play a part, while Stokes is a slight doubt with ankle ligament damage.