MARK Bentley believes more promising Benfleet youngsters will get a chance in his Canvey Island side in the forthcoming campaign.

The Gulls recorded a 2-1 win over the Eastern Counties League Division One South outfit thanks to efforts from Ryan Melaugh and a trialist.

But Bentley was impressed with a number of Benfleet’s players.

The Canvey boss said: “The friendly gave me the chance to look at the Benfleet guys, so it was definitely a productive outing.

“There were a couple of standout players in the Benfleet team and they impressed me.

“The Benfleet boys have been training with us and the game was a chance for them to show me what they can do.

“Sam Delieu came in and played a few games for us last season, so it shows the opportunity is there for them.

“I will be touching base with Benfleet in the weeks ahead because I was impressed with them.”

Bentley was also pleased to be able to call upon Sammy Knott and James White after the duo missed the 3-1 win over Hornchurch on Saturday.

“It was good for our players to get some more minutes in the legs,” added Bentley.

“We have made a few signings since the end of the season, so games like this gave them a chance to gel and get to know each other a bit more.

“Sammy Knott also came into the team for his debut after missing the game against Hornchurch, while James White also got 45 minutes after being unavailable at the weekend.”