RYMAN PREMIER: Jay Curran says Canvey Island have got to learn to close games out if they are to drag themselves from the relegation zone.

The Gulls are only three points above the drop zone and threw away a half-time lead to go down 3-2 at Enfield Town on Tuesday.

Skipper Curran was on the scoresheet in that defeat, having missed the last six weeks with a hamstring injury.

And the 30-year-old says they need to learn to shut up shop, starting at fellow strugglers VCD Athletic tomorrow.

“We need to go there and try to bring home the three points. We took Maidstone (who are top of the league) very close recently and we need to be winning our games against teams in and around us at the bottom of the table.

“We were beating Bury Town recently and lost as well and we need to get this habit out of our system. Closing games out and staying resilient is so important.”

The Gulls have lost nine of the last 11 matches, but Curran says he can’t put his finger on what exactly is going wrong, but has given manager Danny Heale his backing.

“It is really difficult,” he said. “I can’t put my finger on what exactly is the problem. We are scoring plenty of goals but are struggling to keep clean sheets.

“We must have had about 30 or 40 players through the doors this season. We are having to loan players due to financial restrictions.

“It has been hard for Danny because we don’t have higher support from a chairman but he has the support from the boys and it is still a good vibe at the club. We aren’t losing and playing badly.

“We are all pushing in the right direction but we now have to get results or we will be drawn into a relegation battle.

“This is a team that should be challenging for the play-offs so it is very frustrating to see our current league position.”

Curran has had a stop-start season, missing large chunks down to suspensions and injuries. But now he is returning to full fitness, he wants to fire the Gulls up the table.

“It is great to be back on the pitch,” he said. “I am feeling a bit rusty but that will fade in time and with matches. I am confident of scoring a few more before the season is out.

“It is very frustrating watching your team play and knowing there is nothing you can do to help them.

“But we know we are good enough to turn this around.”