East Thurrock United's Craddock hopes blip in form could inspire team to new heights

The 22-year-old has been a key player for Rocks this season, playing 24 times in league and cup to date after helping the team to promotion from the Ryman Premier League last campaign.

However, East Thurrock lost as many games last month as they had in the previous four months to leave Rocks 10th in the National League South standings.

But Craddock doesn’t believe it is cause for concern.

“I don’t think it’s much to worry about,” he said. “Everyone has a dip. We had big defeats to Braintree and Dartford but everyone has ups and downs and I see January as a wake-up call.

“We had been doing so well and now we are faced with this challenge but we are still enjoying it.

“We have done well and we need a bit more now.

“It is a transitional period but we want to do better. We want to challenge and not float at one level.”

Craddock is pleased with his own form in the middle of the park but says he does not take his place in the team for granted, with Michael Freiter, Ben Marlow and Ben Wood just three players pushing for central midfield roles.

And having missed much of September and November through injury he is keen to make up for lost time.

“I had a blip with an injury but I am doing OK. I have been in and out of the team recently and I have to make sure I do well when I have the shirt so I keep it.

“The competition is good and I see it as a learning curve as you learn off others. It is healthy and if it wasn’t there then I wouldn’t be at this level.

“Woody (Wood) has been there for years and Marlow and Freits (Freiter) are helping me too.”

Craddock is now eyeing up three points against Hemel Hempstead Town tomorrow, with just two points separating them in the league standings.

And he says it won’t be easy.

“Anyone can beat anyone,” he said. “If we turn up and do what we are capable of we can get the three points and we all know this.

“It is still a very positive camp.”