AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley admits to being “quietly confident” ahead of tonight's Ryman League Division One North play-off semi-final clash against Canvey Island at King's Marsh.

Mike Bacon

AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley admits to being “quietly confident” ahead of tonight's Ryman League Division One North play-off semi-final clash against Canvey Island at King's Marsh.

The west Suffolk club lost their final league game at home to Potters Bar on Saturday but, with results going their way, they retained their second spot position.

That now gives them home advantage in tonight's clash with the Essex side. The winners will play Redbridge or Ware in the final on Saturday, with AFC Sudbury again getting home advantage should they progress because of their higher finishing position.

It leaves Morsley hoping he can build his side up once more for a big game.

“In my two years of being here I have always managed to get the team fired up for a big game,” he said.

“Sure, we might have lost on penalties a couple of times but there has been nothing wrong with our performances during the big games. It was a disappointing result for us on Saturday, but what people must remember is I managed to get four previously injured players back on the park for 45 minutes football.

“That was a big boost and I'm quietly confident we will do well.”

Canvey Island top the current best form table, with just two league defeats in 10 and no goals conceded in their last four league games, including a 2-0 win at Sudbury three weeks ago.

“They will bring a big following and it will be a cracking atmosphere,” Morsley added.

“But I've got a full squad to choose from and that hasn't happened for weeks. We were getting to the stage where we lacked a bit of self-belief and confidence.

“It's the play-offs now - a one-off game - and we need to steady ourselves down and give it a real big go. Because if we do, I'm confident we will win.”

AFC Sudbury (from): Munson, D Head, Girling, Hughes, Wardley, Driver, Clements, Simpson, Boardley, Rowe, Heath, Hammond, S Head, N Smith, Bacon and Tracey.

A TESTIMONIAL game has been arranged for long-time AFC Sudbury favourite Terry Rayner against Conference South side Bishop's Stortford at King's Marsh on Saturday, August 2.

A barbecue is being arranged for during and after the game with a disco in the evening.

Rayner, who has missed most of this season after a second knee operation, has played 321 games for Sudbury and scored 56 goals.