EAST Thurrock United’s league double over Tonbridge Angels counts for nothing when the two meet in the Ryman Premier League play-offs, says manager John Coventry.

The Rocks boss orchestrated 2-1 and 3-0 wins over the Kent side this term, with the latter coming at Rookery Hill just last month.

And the two will do battle again tonight (Thursday 28) for the right to play either Bognor Regis Town or Dulwich Hamlet in the final on Bank Holiday Monday.

Rocks ended the season with a point at Lewes, meaning they have lost just seven times this campaign and accrued 91 points in total, by far the club’s best return at this level.

But Coventry says Tonbridge are not to be under-estimated come the clash at Rookery Hill.

“It will be a very tough game,” he said. “We beat them recently but that counts for nothing now. They have had a very similar season to us and there is not a lot between the two teams so it will be an intriguing game.

“To only be beaten seven times in 46 matches over the course of the season is tremendous.

Only two teams from 24 can go up in this league so to get to where we have got is very difficult in itself but we want to now win the play-offs.

“That said, there are so many positives to come out of this season no matter the outcome.”

Rocks may be without striker James Walker, who has a groin injury, although centre-back Joe Ellul is expected to play despite going off against Lewes with a thigh injury.

“Joe Ellul was taken off as he took a knock on his thigh and I didn’t want to risk him,” confirmed Coventry. “After we knew Bognor were winning comfortably and we wouldn’t be finishing in second I took Tom Wraight, Ben Wood and Sam Higgins off to rest them for the Tonbridge game.

“It was unfortunate that Joe got the knock but we believe he will be fit for the Tonbridge game.”

Coventry will be looking to end a wretched run in the play-offs that has seen him lose three times in his spell at the club, with all the ties ending 1-0.

Defeats to Concord Rangers in 2009 and 2010 in the Ryman One North and a single goal reverse against Lowestoft in the Ryman Premier play-offs in 2013 means Coventry is desperate for a different outcome this year.

“I don’t have the best run in the play-offs,” he added. “First things first, we have to score a goal as that would be a first for me. But we come into the match in good form and I believe we can do well.”

Coventry was also full of praise for incoming first-term coach Keith Wilson, the current Burnham Ramblers manager who will be joining the management team next year.

“When Joe left (to join Canvey Island) I wanted to bring someone in but not rush it. Willo is someone I know well and he also knows the club well, having played here in the past. He will work alongside Jay Devereux and myself and I look forward to it.”

• To see how East Thurrock and Thurrock’s play-off charge fared, visit thurrockgazette.co.uk/sport