MARK Bentley says finishing in the Isthmian North’s top 10 is Canvey Island’s target as the season nears its climax.

The Gulls visit Mildenhall Town, who prop up the table and could be condemned to relegation, today.

Victory could see Canvey climb from 13th place to as high as 10th spot in the standings and Bentley is eager to finish the campaign on a high.

“Mildenhall will come at us because they are fighting for their lives,” said the Gulls boss.

“They will be relegated if we beat them and other results don’t go their way, but we have to concentrate on ourselves because we want to win the three points up for grabs.

“We have improved in the last couple of games and the boys are playing for pride.

“There is still an opportunity for the players to sway my mind and work their way into my plans for next season.

“The carrot I will be dangling for the players is that we could go 10th with a win.

“It has already been a disappointing season for us but finishing below 10th would be really disappointing.

“We want to win the next three games and I certainly won’t be telling the players to take it easy.”

Canvey have turned in improved performances in recent weeks and claimed a 2-2 draw with high-flying Maldon & Tiptree last time out.

Frankie Merrifield grabbed both goals in the stalemate at the Frost Hire Stadium.

But the Gulls have some injury problems ahead of their trip to Suffolk.

“We might have lost Zack Littlejohn until the end of the season because of rolling his ankle,” added Bentley.

“We have two games in three days over the Easter weekend and I would like to rotate the squad, but we haven’t got that many players as it is.

“There are a couple of Benfleet boys who I can bring in for either of the two games.”