Having lost two games in three days, Canvey Island are boosted by the return of key defender Steve Ward for their busy Bank Holiday period.

Gulls follow Saturday's visit to Aylesbury with a Bank Holiday cracker at home to Essex rivals Purfleet on Monday (12 noon).

Ward, or "the Ginger Sex God" as he is known to readers of his column in the club's programme, is a hugely popular figure at Park Lane and his pace at the back will prove a major bonus for the Islanders.

A schoolteacher, Ward has missed the club's first four games in their Ryman League Premier Division programme as he has been on holiday.

Before losing at home to St Albans and away to Hendon in quick succession, Gulls had opened their first ever season in the top flight with two wins.

The two sides they take on over the next few days have not made the brightest of starts, but Canvey "spy" Tony Mahoney rated Aylesbury unlucky to go down 1-0 at home to Boreham Wood on Tuesday night.

Said manager Jeff King: "Apparently Aylesbury hammered Boreham Wood for most of the game and the formbook often counts for nothing in Essex derbies such as Monday's game with Purfleet."

Canvey have used the same starting line-up for all four games so far, but Ward's introduction at the back apart, could make one other change for Saturday's encounter.

Also, there is a slight doubt about goalkeeper Brian Horne, who is nursing a calf injury. If he is not fit, Ashley Harrison will step in.

Aylesbury have one win, and three points, from their opening four games, while Purfleet, who enjoyed a fine season under manager Colin McBride last term, have yet to record a victory and have just two points.

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