MARK Bentley believes his Canvey Island side will go into tonight’s FA Cup third qualifying round replay at Bowers & Pitsea with plenty of belief.

The Gulls have reached this stage of the competition having recorded replay victories in each of the last two rounds.

And Bentley, whose Isthmian North outfit make the short journey to the Len Salmon Stadium after the initial tie ended 1-1 on Saturday, is eager to move a step closer to achieving a potential dream draw.

“It’s all about belief and we go to Bowers after already enjoying success in two replays,” said the Canvey chief.

“We have been given an extra incentive with the draw already being made and the club hasn’t enjoyed a cup run for a number of years, so it’s a win-win situation for us.

“I’ve got a group with a never-say-die attitude and they are desperate to get into the next round.

“I keep telling the players they are only two wins away from potentially drawing Sunderland or another big professional side.

“Some of the players are enjoying their first ever FA Cup campaign and it’s a great opportunity for them.”

Canvey will be without George Purcell as the striker decided to exit Park Lane just a matter of hours after the stalemate with Bowers.

However, Jason Hallett, who has bagged the winner in each of the last two replays, will return.

“Having Hallett back will be a positive for us,” added Bentley.

“He’ll look forward to being involved and he was gutted to not be available at the weekend.

“He is a big player for us but we have others in our team who are good as well. We are not a one-man team.”

Bowers, who are enjoying their greatest FA Cup run in the club’s history, hit the woodwork three times in the original tie before Brad Warner fired the Isthmian Premier League outfit in front.

However, James White’s quickfire reply ensured the two sides would have to do battle again.

And Bowers boss Rob Small is keen to reach the fourth qualifying round by claiming local bragging rights.

“We’re not far away from reaching our potential,” said Small.

“Our performance was relatively good at Canvey and we created a number of chances, so we need to score more and concede less.

“It sounds so simple but if we kept a clean sheet, we would already be through.

“If we keep a clean sheet tonight, you would like to think that would get us through and we’ll get the job done.”