As any Fleet fan knows, the rivalry between us and Canvey Island stretches back a long, long way.

The most memorable battle between us has got to be the contention for the Ryman League Championship in the 2001/2002 season.

The week in, week out battle for the title came down to the final game of the season and we won it by four points.

I've been involved in two Thames estuary "derbies" as you could call them and we have won both games.

Charlie Mac's last gasp winner sealed our victory earlier this season and we're looking to bounce back from the defeat at Borehamwood to get a result we deserve.

It should be a very competitive match on Friday as both we and Canvey will be hungry for the three points as we continue to chase the play offs.

It's good to see Steve McKimm has been given the all clear to return to full training after nine months out with a serious knee injury.

He is a real credit and an inspiration to the club.

I had a similar injury and it ended my career so I can only admire the way he's fought back. It shows his strength of character to have worked so hard to get to this point.

I'll end by asking for a good turn out on Friday and then again next Tuesday, as we look to give Grays a taste of their own medicine when we face them at Stonebridge Road at 7.45pm.

Liam Daish