AS Canvey clinched tomorrow night's play-off visit to AFC Sudbury, you could excuse chairman Dennis Rugg's wry smile.

Two years after many had predicted a slow death for the Islanders following Jeff King's departure from the club, Gulls are on the up and up.

When King departed for Chelmsford City after expressing his disappointment that the people of the island had not been able to support Conference football in large enough numbers many felt the future looked grim.

But, on top of passing on the Park Lane lease to the club, King had left behind a hard-working group of officials and dedicated band of supporters determined to see the club rise again.

Most importantly, he had departed knowing that the football side was in safe hands under John Batch, whose raw but young reserve side had already shown plenty of promise.

Immediately, rather in Lee Mead "Joseph" style, Batch's boys turned from understudies to star men and, with the support of more established old heads such as Craig Davidson, Kevin Dobinson and Colin Wall, now have an excellent chance of playing Premier soccer next term.

To do so they will first have to win at an out of form Sudbury side who, although finishing second, have won just once in seven games.

After seeing the Islanders clinch their play-off spot with a 2-0 home win, Rugg said: "Of course we're very proud of what everyone has achieved over the past two years.

"When Jeff made his decision a lot of people outside thought it was the end.

"I distinctly remember one readers' letter in the Echo that predicted Mr Rugg and his cohorts will be lucky to be playing in front of 50 people'.

"But I knew there were too many people determined that Canvey would not only carry on but would be successful again.

"And, in John Batch, we knew that we had a manager with a side capable of carrying the club forward."

Of course Gulls have not finished the job yet - if they win tomorrow they will face a difficult final next Saturday at the winners of Redbridge and Ware's Tuesday night clash.

But they never looked like blowing their hopes in Saturday's Park Lane match, witnessed by a huge crowd of 613.

In fact it was an afternoon of triumph all round. Prior to the match defender Andrew West proudly received the supporters' player of the year trophy from long-serving steward Michael Thorne.

Six of the club's youth teams who have gained promotion did a lap of honour.

And West Ham's community officer Steve Tapley presented certificates to those who successfully took part in an Essex County Council-backed junior football organiser course during the Easter holidays.

On the field, it looked like being one of those days when visiting keeper Jason Willis made a miraculous early save from Leon Gordon.

Man of the match Gordon soothed nerves when he headed home Kevin Dobinson's 49th minute free-kick.

Gulls had to rely on two good saves from veteran ex Southend United keeper Mel Capleton to stay in front.

But Ian Luck clinched the priceless points on 74 minutes when he guided home another set-piece, this time taken by skipper Davidson.

Gulls won at Sudbury just three weeks ago and Batch said: "I thought we did a good professional job today.

"Mel had to make a couple of saves, but we were generally well on top.

"We've deserved this play-off chance and now we'll do our level best to make the most of it."

>Those wishing to travel on the supporters' coach to Sudbury tomorrow should ring press officer Glenn Eckett on 07747 778266.