YEADING manager Johnson Hippolyte reckons his team will have no problem upstaging Canvey Island in the Bryco Cup Final on Monday if they play as they have done all season.

Ding have struggled against the lesser sides in the Ryman Division One North but have still managed wins over the leading teams, including Northwood and Slough Town.

And Hippolyte is determined his side can claim their third Premier scalp when they meet Jeff King's side at Hornchurch, having seen off Bedford Town and Bishop's Stortford earlier in the competition.

He said: "The way our season has gone, we normally excel ourselves against the top oppositions. Canvey are obviously a very good side with a lot of experience but we'll give it our best shot.

"If we do what we've done all season we should be OK. We've got pace in our side which always hurts teams."

Among Canvey's players is the league's top goalscorer, Lee Boylan, who has scored 43 goals this season, including four on Saturday when Canvey thrashed Enfield 10-1.

But Hippolyte could be boosted by the return of his own hot-shot Matt Miller.

The 28-goal striker strained ankle ligaments when he jumped over the perimeter fencing during a warm-up at Great Wakering Rovers at the beginning of April. But his manager is hopeful he will be fit to play some part against Canvey. Central defender Nevin Saroya is also set for a return.

Hippolyte is desperate to give supporters something to smile about after the disappointing league campaign. Ding lie 12th in the table with only one game left, having been well in the hunt for promotion at the turn of the year.

He said: "It's very very disappointing when you think that we've only got 20 points in the last three months. There have been so many occasions when we've lost in the last ten minutes after leading."

Yeading squandered another lead on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 by Leyton Pennant.

Danny Jordan headed 'Ding in front after ten minutes but Robert Still equalised soon after when the visitors failed to clear a corner.

Still got the winner before the break when he struck home from a Steve Shaw cross.

Ding wrap up their league season on Saturday when they entertain Barking & East Ham United.

Meanwhile the reserves won the South Western Division Capital League Title on Monday after a 5-1 victory over Farnborough Town.

On Sunday, the Warren will be hosting a match between a Chelsea All-Star XI and Sky Badgers in aid of the Dreamflight Charity. Kick-off is 3pm and tickets are available at £3 for adults and £2 for children and OAPs.

May 1, 2003 09:00