DAN Humphreys is pushing for a place in Mark Bentley’s starting line-up when Canvey Island visit Coggeshall Town this weekend.

The former Southend United youngster joined the Gulls in the summer but has struggled to break into Bentley’s plans because of Canvey’s impressive start to the Isthmian North campaign.

However, with George Purcell suspended following his dismissal in the FA Cup first preliminary round tie at Waltham Abbey, Bentley admits there is a possibility that Humphreys will come into the fray.

“We have rested and recovered but we are without Georgie because he is suspended,” said the Gulls’ boss.

“Dan Humphreys came on in the replay win over Waltham Abbey and changed the game.

“He sucked their defender in and that resulted in them going down to 10 men.

“Dan made things happen, so he may get a chance to start.”

Canvey head to Coggeshall in good form, having suffered just one defeat so far this season and booked their place in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup following a 2-1 replay win over Waltham Abbey.

A comical own goal from Dominique Yiagnigni had put the Gulls in front, but Leonne McKenzie levelled matters for the visitors at Park Lane.

A Ryan Dear red card, following a dangerous lunge on Humphreys, gave Bentley’s side a numerical advantage and they made it count as Jason Hallett slammed home a last-gasp header.

The Gulls will now visit St Ives Town in the next round.

But they are facing two tough Isthmian North challenges before then, with a trip to Maldon & Tiptree following tomorrow’s away clash with Coggeshall.

And Bentley is relishing the contests.

“We’ve got two massive away games,” added Bentley.

“We’re trying to get out of this league and that starts with a really tough game at Coggeshall.

“We can go there with a positive mindset but I think Coggeshall are the team to beat because of their budget.”