MARTIN Tuohy says he feels he has earned the right to start up front in Canvey Island’s opener against Barking tomorrow.

The Gulls begin their Isthmian North campaign biding to go one better than last season, in which they missed out in the play-off final.

Tuohy, 34, is one of the elder statesmen in the Canvey squad but has scored seven goals in seven pre-season matches.

And the man who played for tomorrow’s opponents last season is confident Canvey can start well.

“I like this group a lot,” said the striker. “We have retained the quality from last season and strengthened as well.

“People have settled in well and the atmosphere is good. I am confident we have to be aiming at the minimum for the play-offs.

“I was in and out when I re-joined the club (from Barking in February) but the team was doing well,” he added.

“I had to wait for my chance but as far as pre-season is concerned, I have earned the right to be playing. I am still scoring and I am feeling good.

“Confidence is a huge factor and I have plenty of it.”

Tuohy says he has been looking after himself as he gets older as he bids to prolong his long and successful career.

And he added the challenges he and the team face this year are significant as they attempt to win promotion, beginning against his former side.

“There are some good teams in this league,” he said. “We know it will be hard to be on par with some of these guys and it will be competitive.

“Barking will not be an easy game by any means. Justin (Gardner) will make sure his team works hard and that will be the case tomorrow.

“But we are well prepared and know about the strengths and weaknesses of Barking.

“We are all looking forward to it.”

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LOOKING AHEAD: Canvey Island make their return to competitive action against Barking looking to go one better than last season.

Defeat in the play-off final last term came as a significant blow to Danny Heale’s ambition but he has made changes over the summer after admitting he was ‘too loyal’ to certain players.

Heale will not be present at the match after he was slapped with a three-match stadium ban by the FA following his sending off in last May’s play-off final, with Brad Wellmen leading the team.

Barking have also been busy over the summer, with manager Justin Gardner bringing in a host of new players.
The Londoners enjoyed a steady first season in the Isthmian North last year but will be among those fancied to challenge for a play-off place.

It took Canvey five games to win last season. Heale will not want to wait as long this season.

MANAGER’S VIEW: “We have a few injury problems ahead of this one, so we have not had the best preparation,” said Heale.

“Justin has recruited well and they will be a force to be reckoned with, I believe, and we need to be at our best. We have been handed a tough start but if we can get through it with a decent amount of points it sets us up for a good season.

“We fancy our chances against anyone.

“I personally feel I have been dealt a duff card with the stadium ban. I will be at my niece’s christening, which is only about three roads away from the ground anyway.”

TEAM NEWS: Defender George Allen is injured and will not feature. The Gulls are likely to release several players before matchday.