EAST Thurrock United have been making quite a name for themselves this season, but manager John Coventry says the hard bit is maintaining their “successful” first half of the season.

Only four points outside the play-off places, and with games in hand on the sides above them, Rocks have been thriving this term, clocking up their highest ever points total at the end of a calendar year in the Ryman Premier League (38).

And they reached the first round of the FA Cup, crushing Conference South side Bath City 7-1 in the final qualifying round to book a tie with League Two’s Hartlepool United.

And despite losing that match 2-0, Coventry said the first half of the season has been a success.

“It has been a successful start to the season,” admitted Coventry. “When you consider the commitments we have had in other competitions, our position in the league is superb.

“I am really happy that we were able to go on good runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy and bring in a bit of money as that will go a long way.

“The FA Cup has to be a highlight. Going all the way to Hartlepool and pushing them close was fantastic.

“There are a number of pleasing factors when you look at the last couple of months. Despite a number of injuries, the emergence of the young players has put us in a much stronger position. The likes of Tom Anderson and Joe Paxman have come on a great deal and we can expect to see a lot more of them later in the season.”

And Coventry said the consistent basis on which Rocks have been putting in good performances has been pleasing.

“This is the most points we have ever had at this stage in the season,” Coventry went on. “We have started well and picked up some great results but I don’t like to look too far ahead.

“We have done brilliantly not knowing if we would be able to get a side out and the team is really starting to click.”