MARK Bentley has called on Tobi Joseph to set his sights on winning the Isthmian North Golden Boot after making an encouraging start to his Canvey Island career.

Joseph joined the Gulls in the summer and notched his ninth goal in all competitions this season during the 5-0 Isthmian League Cup thumping of Witham Town on Tuesday.

However, just three goals have come in league outings and Bentley wants Joseph to be more clinical when points are on offer.

“Tobi’s goals have been very important,” said Canvey boss Bentley.

“I’m challenging him to score two or three goals in games because he normally scores just one a game at the moment.

“I’m also asking him to go and beat Jason Hallett in terms of the amount of goals he scores over the course of the season.

“A little competition between them is good and I want one of them to win the Golden Boot.

“Tobi has been a bonus for us because he’s had a tough time over the last few years, dipping in and out of teams.

“We have been looking to give him the confidence to come and play his football.

“He works hard and, obviously, we would like him to be a bit better in and around the final third but we can’t complain.

“We want him scoring more league goals so that will be a challenge for him, along with keeping his place in the side.”

The convincing victory over Witham also saw Southend United loanee Freddy Eastwood bag his first goal in senior football, while Josh Hutchinson, Dan Humphreys and Kane Gilbert added their names to the scoresheet.

And Bentley is pleased with his attacking options.

“Kane is starting to score goals now, while we also have Josh and Ryan Melaugh,” added Bentley.

“We have some good forward players and Rob Lacey is back from Jamaica.

“He looked sharp as well so, all in all, we look good going forward.”

However, Bentley was unable to include Hallett in his squad for the midweek win over Isthmian North rivals Witham.

The frontman, who joined from Isthmian Premier League outfit Cheshunt in August, missed out due to illness.

Hallett has been a key figure since making his return to Park Lane.

And Bentley remains confident that Hallett will be able to feature in this weekend’s Isthmian North clash with Histon.

“Jason was ill,” confirmed Bentley, whose side are 13th in the standings.

“He messaged me and I didn’t want to risk him.

“There are a few bugs about at the moment and I don’t want that spreading through the camp.

“He had the night off, which was fine because it was a dead-rubber game.

“It game others an opportunity to get minutes.

“Hopefully Jason will be fresh and ready to go on Saturday.”