Canvey Island soccer boss John Batch, who side travel to Aveley tomorrow, admits that battling for a play-off spot is giving his basically young side tremendous experience.

Most of the players were members of the Island reserve side who won the Essex & Herts Border Combination last season.

"When we took over as the first team at Ryman Division One North level this term there weren't major expectations of the team," Batch admitted.

"But I'm delighted we're battling for a play-off spot. The pressure is giving us great experience which they wouldn't be gaining if we were just ambling along in mid-table."

With AFC Hornchurch odds-on for the title, eight or nine sides are battling for the four play-off spots.

Aveley are ninth after a recent poor spell and their cause has not been helped by a number of postponed games due to the weather - including their last two in the league.

They are seven points behind third-placed Gulls, who tomorrow have fitness doubts over defenders Kevin Dobinson and Jon Stuart.

A late test will determine whether top scorer Nicky Rugg is fit to return to the strike force after a spell out with groin trouble.