JOHN Coventry confirmed he is looking to add some new faces to his East Thurrock United squad after they took the derby day spoils against Canvey Island.

Rocks won 2-1 on Tuesday evening and the East Thurrock boss said the result was a good one, given the weather and the fact his side conceded an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

“The conditions were difficult for both sets of players,” he said. “The way the wind and the rain were whipping up meant it was never going to be a pretty game.

“But the boys showed great heart. Although there seemed to be some confusion about the goal, it definitely went in – I could even see it! But to concede the way we did was awful and it couldn’t have been at a worse time.

“It was poor game management to concede the free-kick where we did but we came back well and we worked hard to grind out the result.”

Coventry was pleased with his team’s endeavour and the way they handled the threat of Canvey debutant Enoch Showunmi.

“We knew they had signed Showunmi, but we didn’t have a special plan for him. Luckily we had Paul Goodacre return from illness otherwise we would have been short at the back.

“We knew what he would bring to the game and we did well to limit his chances on the ball. We just concentrated on our game which was important.”

East Thurrock now lie 10th in the table, with games in hand of all of their immediate challengers for a play-off spot. And Coventry said he needed some new faces ahead of the busy festive period.

“We are in a decent position in the league and have some games in hand on the sides around us so this was an important win for us,” Coventry said.

“We will need a couple of new faces,” he confirmed. “We are struggling and some players are having to go the extra mile to play at times.

“We named Darren Phillips on the bench against Canvey and I have very high hopes for the lad. He has been part of our youth set-up for two years and only turned 16 on Saturday so he’s only just signed forms with us.

“But we will be looking to add someone new soon.”