CANVEY is bracing itself for the island's biggest footballing weekend in four years.

Not since Jeff King's Conference Gulls played in the second of their FA Trophy final back in 2004 has the area known such soccer excitement.

At Park Lane Canvey will be hosting Enfield Town in a match that will see them through to the Ryman Division One North play-offs if they win.

And the island's other club, Concord Rangers, face the most vital occasion in their 17-year Essex Senior League history.

They are involved in a tremendous three-way bid for the title and, if they win at fellow challengers Barkingside, they will not only win the championship but earn a place in next season's Ryman set-up.

If Canvey make the play-offs it will be a remarkable achievement in only their second season since the club's new era.

Thousands in the past came out to watch Gulls in big FA Cup and Trophy games, but attendances dropped in the Conference and two years ago manager Jeff King left to take over as boss of a Chelmsford City side who are about to embark on Blue Square South soccer next term.

But Canvey refused to fade away. The previous reserve team, under the astute managership of John Batch, moved up to first team football at the new Ryman One North level.

This season, in front of 300-plus crowds, Canvey - despite an appalling injury crisis - have been playing some terrific attacking football.

The club hope that fans from yesteryear will turn out in big numbers to add their support for what could be a historic day.

Admission at Park Lane is £8 adults, £5 concessions and under-12s accompanied by an adult £1.

Canvey are holding an open forum in the Park Lane clubhouse from 8pm tonight where fans will be given plans for the future.

At Thames Road Concord are enjoying a superb year under the leadership of player-manager Danny Scopes and coach Danny Cowley.

The high-quality team, with enthusiastic businessman Antony Smith as chairman, have made a name for themselves nationally this term by making the FA Vase quarter-finals.

They have also won the Gordon Brasted Trophy domestically and are through to the League Cup final with Eton Manor at Bowers and Pitsea's Crown Avenue home on Monday, May 5.

But it is the title and promotion to the Ryman that is number one on the list of priorities and everyone on Canvey is hoping for a double island celebration on Saturday night.

Both big games kick-off at 3pm.