CANVEY Island boss Mark Bentley is eager to enjoy success in the FA Cup having also featured in an extensive run in the competition during his playing days.

Bentley’s Gulls are set to compete with Waltham Abbey in a first qualifying round replay tonight after the original tie ended 2-2 at the weekend.

And Bentley is keen to emerge victorious and book a second qualifying round trip to St Ives Town.

Bentley said: “A good run in the FA Cup is important for the club.

“I had a nice run in the competition as a player myself, but I want to experience it as a manager as well.

“I got to the fourth qualifying round with Grays Athletic, so I was just one win away from the first round.

“We’ve got a great opportunity to beat Waltham Abbey and it’s up to us to get the job done.”

Canvey will be looking to make use of home advantage when the replay takes place tonight.

The two sides could not be separated in the initial meeting despite the Gulls playing a large amount of the second half with 10 men following George Purcell’s dismissal.

Canvey took a 17th minute lead thanks to a fine goal from Tobi Joseph, who linked up with Josh Hutchinson before rifling home.

However, the Gulls’ advantage lasted just five minutes as Leonne McKenzie tapped Junior Appiah’s dangerous centre into the back of the net from close range.

Ryan Dear nodded Waltham Abbey in front shortly after the interval and Bentley’s side appeared to have an uphill battle when Purcell was given his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card moments later.

But Jason Hallett found an equaliser by lobbing goalkeeper Anthony Page.

And Bentley is pleased with his side’s attitude.

Bentley added: “The boys are prepared to put their bodies on the line.

“They were disappointed not to win the game despite playing a lot of the second half with 10 men.

“There is a great togetherness, but there is still work to do.”