MANAGER Andy Ford defiantly insisted that Gravesend & Northfleet still had everything to play for in the race for the Ryman League, Premier Division, title despite the setback of last night's 1-0 defeat by leaders Canvey.

Defeat left the Fleet three points behind Canvey with a game in hand but with an inferior goal difference. More than 4,000 fans packed Stonebridge Road creating gate receipts of £33,000 for a match billed as the championship showdown. It was decided by former Ipswich and Colchester striker Neil Gregory's spectacular 33rd minute strike.

"With seven games remaining, how can anybody say the title race is over?" said Ford. "There are 21 points up for grabs and still a lot to play for. Last season Farnborough came from behind to snatch the title on the line from Canvey and it could happen again.

"I would have settled for a 1-1 draw before the game but there are times when a manager has to put up his hand and admit that his side were beaten by a special goal. I thought Gregory's goal was terrific and there was nothing our goalkeeper Jamie Turner could do about it."

He admitted the essential difference between the two teams had been the final ball in. "Canvey played in some good balls to their strikers and that was a crucial difference," he added. "But we will bounce back from this setback all the stronger."

Skipper Jimmy Jackson, who made no secret of his disappointment of being substituted in the 67th minute, had been suffering from a calf strain, said Ford.

Canvey manager Jeff King said: "There is still a long way to go in this title race and it's not over by a long chalk. But this win will act a big psychological boost for everyone at our club because it puts us back in the driving seat."