CANVEY Island manager Danny Heale says victory over high-flying East Thurrock United tonight could turn their season around.

The Gulls have won just two league games since the end of October, and were beaten 3-1 by the Ryman Premier League’s bottom club Lewes on Saturday.

They now face the daunting task of a trip to Rookery Hill and third-placed East Thurrock United, who have only lost one league game since October 24.

But Heale is focusing on what a win would do for confidence, as Canvey look to re-ignite their play-off challenge, as they remain just eight points off the top five.

“East Thurrock United is always an important game, no matter the run of form you are on,” said Heale. “We are finding it tough at the moment and they are flying but games like this could be the trigger that turns around your season.

“There was nothing in the game on Saturday and it was a lapse in concentration that cost us the second goal and probably the points as I think we were in a good position to go on and take something from the game.

“I have tried to change things in recent weeks. Mitchell Gilbey and (on-loan Millwall defender) Christian Mbulu have come in and Tony Stokes started on Saturday, so we want to mix things up a bit.”

Heale was looking to add another defender to his squad with skipper Richard Halle suspended tonight, and Lawrence Yiga out. However, Steve Sheehan could return, although the game is in some doubt due to today’s forecasted rain.

But Heale is hopeful the match will go ahead.

“The game might not be on” said the Gulls chief. “We got an email from East Thurrock saying it was in doubt but I really want the game to be played as I want a reaction. We are licking our wounds and are down in the dumps at the moment and I want the big characters to step up and put in a performance.”

Rocks boss John Coventry says he is a firm believer that form doesn’t count for much in local derbies, but he is expecting Canvey to hit back following Saturday’s loss.

“I have said before that form goes out the window in matches like this and I still believe that,” he said.

“Canvey will be hurting after the defeat at Lewes and will want to put things right. Danny will want more from his players but we need to take confidence from our displays and use that in a positive way.”

Rocks defender Simon Peddie is a doubt with a thigh strain.