CANVEY Island boss Mark Bentley is eager to make the Frost Hire Stadium a fortress between now and the end of the season.

The Gulls currently boast the fourth worst home record in the Isthmian North, having suffered nine defeats in 16 encounters.

Canvey are set to entertain Felixstowe & Walton United this weekend, before further home meetings with Maldon & Tiptree and Basildon United.

Having tasted just three league victories at the Frost Hire Stadium since replacing Danny Heale in the hotseat, Bentley is looking to double that tally before the campaign comes to a close.

“I really want to win our home games,” said Bentley, who has also made substitute appearances in the last two clashes.

“I’ve been so disappointed with our home form.

“You turn up every game and the fans are walking away. I don’t blame them.

“It’s my job to try and create a team who is going to make Canvey proud again.

“That’s something I definitely want to do.”

Canvey ended a wretched run of eight defeats in nine outings when they sealed a 1-0 victory at Witham Town at the weekend.

The Gulls’ last two triumphs, with the other coming against bottom side Romford, have been registered courtesy of last minute winning goals.

And Bentley says his side have been the division’s laughing stock.

“We’ve been on a horrendous run and we all know it,” he added.

“We have a little bit of a laughing stock and we’re all embarrassed with what’s been going on over the last two months.”