EAST Thurrock manager John Coventry graded his side’s first half of the season a ‘B’ after they spent much of it playing catch-up.

As in previous seasons, Rocks’ cup commitments meant they fell way off the pace in the league. However, as all teams dropped points at the top, Coventry’s men have quietly going about their business in recent weeks, after they were knocked out of the FA Trophy and Essex Senior Cup in the same week.

Rocks played 12 cup games on their way to the first round of the FA Trophy and the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, but can now focus their attentions on a top five finish.

Indeed, East Thurrock have won their last four in the league and winning their games in hand would see them climb into the play-offs.

Only two other sides in the league have lost fewer games than East Thurrock, while only leaders Dulwich Hamlet have outscored them, although they got off to an indifferent start.

A win, a draw and a loss was followed by a win, three draws and two defeats in the league. Thumping wins over play-off rivals Leiston sandwiched an FA Cup exit but, since then, things have improved. In fact, 11 of their 15 matches since have resulted in victory, with only two defeats in that time.

Veteran Ben Wood has played an impressive 30 times already this campaign, while defender Ryan Scott proved an able back-up striker in the absence of Sam Higgins and Lewis Smith, scoring important goals including two in his last two matches.

Coventry has also used the loan market well. With Rocks struggling to piece together a squad earlier in the season due to injuries, he recruited Ady Yusuff from Dagenham & Redbridge and the striker has grabbed goals at key moments. A busy January awaits, with nine games giving them a chance to show their title credentials. Seven of those nine teams are below them in the league so the table could look different come the end of month.

 

Biggest win: 5-0 vs Tiverton Town/ Carshalton Athletic (FA Trophy/ FA Cup)

Biggest defeat: 6-3 vs Staines Town (Oct 10)

Biggest obstacle: The absence of Sam Higgins looked as though it would prove costly earlier in the season. The striker, who hit 44 goals last term, has only played in 19 of Rocks’ 35 matches so far this term after a constant struggle with injuries. That hasn’t stopped him scoring 20 goals so far this season.

Best player: Lewis Smith – Often criticised for holding onto the ball too long, Smith hasn’t been getting as much stick this season after firing in 18 goals so far. That is more goals than he scored in the last 18 months, with Smith relishing his central role in the absence of Higgins.

Key signing: Tom Wraight – the youngster who joined from Witham Town has been a revelation this season. Arguably Rocks’ most consistent performer, he has excelled in defensive and wide positions and has scored nine goals to boot. Ryan Scott has also been excellent in defensive and attacking roles.

Realistic ambition: Late title surge? – With team’s failing to pull-away at the top, East Thurrock are creeping up on those at the top, with games in hand on all above them.