NON LEAGUE: EAST Thurrock hot-shot Sam Higgins has backed Rocks to beat the drop and retain their Ryman Premier League status.

Higgins returned to the club in February after a spell at Essex neighbours Concord Rangers, having netted 13 times for them in their maiden season in the Skrill South.

He rejoined John Coventry’s side to help them in their battle against the drop and has netted six times in nine games since his comeback, including a hat-trick against Hendon.

But Rocks are still in a real fight for survival going into tomorrow’s derby against Canvey Island.

“It has been great since I have got back, just as I knew it would be. I know the club inside out so it is really nice to be playing here again,” Higgins said.

“It has been a bit of a struggle at times, but the team is proving we are capable of staying up. “We have pulled a couple of really good performances out of the bag against teams in the top half and if we can do that against the teams around us we will be in good shape.”

Higgins says he was told by a teammate that his equalising goal against Maidstone United on Saturday was the 114th of his Rocks career, but he insists it is all about the team. “I have always tried to score as many as I can because that is just what I do. It is down to the team and I have got a really good bunch around me.

“I am very proud at becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer but it is all about staying up.”

Rocks have vital away games coming up at fellow strugglers Cray Wanderers and Enfield Town, with Higgins saying Rocks have to get points from these matches.

“We have some tough fixtures coming up but we need to pick up points against the other teams at the bottom. We are in a good position now where we are feeling confident about every game we play.

“Every game is massive and it is up to us to turn it around.”