CANVEY Island manager Mark Bentley believes a home draw in the FA Trophy is key to his team's chances of progression.

Bentley earned his first win in charge on Saturday as the Gulls defeated Cray Wanderers 2-0 in the competition's preliminary round.

Canvey will welcome Brightlingsea Regent at the first qualifying round stage.

And Bentley is looking forward to facing the Isthmian Premier League outfit.

"Being at home is key," said Bentley. "We want to build on all the good things we did the other day. A home draw is positive and it will be good to have an Essex derby.

"They are in the league above us and have had good success in recent years so it will test us.

"They play at a level the club wants to be at. We can head into it in a positive frame of mind.

"I was really pleased with Saturday's result," added Bentley. "There was a lot of talk about Cray's quality and people may not have fancied us.

"But we stuck to our principles, were professional and we grew into the game.

"I was really pleased."