Steve McKimm says Tonbridge’s win at Canvey Island last weekend was the perfect pick-me-up for him after being forced to miss the game.

The Longmead boss was confined to bed with a viral infection and would have been absent again at Leiston on Wednesday, had the game not been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

He said: “I was ill quite badly a few years ago and so don’t take any chances. I was still feeling rough on Wednesday but hope to be back at the weekend.

“My staff and the players did a great job at Canvey bringing back the points.”

Alex Akrofi returned from suspension to hit the winner after just four minutes but the game proved a painful experience for midfielder George Beavan, who now faces an operation on his hand next week.

It’s another blow for the player, who was sidelined earlier in the season with a hamstring injury.

McKimm said: “George is committed. He dislocated his finger inside the opening 10 minutes, put it back but has damaged tendons and needs surgery.”

The win in Essex continued Tonbridge’s good run with just one defeat in the last eight games keeping them firmly in the play-off chase.

Tonbridge now face two Ryman League, Premier Division games in four days. Bottom-side Grays are the visitors on Saturday before Tonbridge host Enfield Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).