EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says mental strength will play a key role if they are to win promotion from the Ryman Premier League this season.

Monday night’s 3-0 win at Farnborough lifted Rocks back to the top of the table with less than eight weeks of the season remaining, just two days after securing a 2-2 draw at championship rivals Dulwich Hamlet.

East Thurrock conceded two last-minute goals in that match and, while admitting he is struggling to come to terms with how Rocks didn’t win that game, Coventry said mental strength will be vital if they are to finish the season at the top of the table.

“I felt a bit numb on Saturday as I don’t know how we didn’t win the game,” he said. “I expected to be put under pressure but we were 2-0 up on 90 minutes and it has finished 2-2. I think even they thought we had won.

“But I am pleased with the results against Farnborough and Dulwich as they were two very different matches. I was more concerned with Farnborough to be honest but we put in a very professional display and it was comfortable.

“The showing against Dulwich was the most complete performance I have seen this season. I believe it comes down to mental attitude to be honest and, after the showing against Dulwich on Saturday, I know we are good enough to win the league.”

Rocks face third-placed Tonbridge Angels on Saturday in what, on paper, looks to be one of the hardest challenges they will face in the closing weeks.

But Coventry says there is nothing to suggest his side are not capable of taking the points in that game.

“Saturday is going to be very tough,” he said. “But I would say the run-in is a difficult one. Everyone has something to fight for so it looks hard on many fronts. Grays at our place is certainly not easy and the same can be said for a number of games we have left.

“We have to be consistent, and if we can do that we stand a chance.”

Rocks are awaiting to hear the outcome of an incident against Farnborough on Monday, in which Lewis Smith was sent off for a scrap with the hosts’ Josh Gallagher.

It is understood that, in the aftermath of the clash, Smith accidently made contact with the referee’s face, which has consequently been reported to the FA.

Coventry said the referee acknowledged the contact was accidental, and said he expected him to be eligible to face Tonbridge on Saturday.

“Lewis rubs opposition up the wrong way now and again because of the way he plays. He is tricky and the Farnborough goalkeeper was telling his players to ‘do him’ and encouraging them to take him out, and in the end someone did.

“I heard from our secretary that the referee is reporting Lewis to the FA after his hand brushed his face, although he accepts there was no intent behind it and it was accidental.

“I have no reason to believe he won’t be available to play on Saturday. Red cards take two weeks to come into play.”