EAST Thurrock United defender Simon Peddie says he is ‘quietly confident’ of springing a surprise in the Essex Senior Cup final, after seeing Chelmsford City up close.

Rocks were beaten 2-1 by the play-off chasing Clarets in the National League South on Tuesday night.

But Peddie, who rejoined the club from Ryman North neighbours Tilbury last month, says he believes East Thurrock can secure another slice of success next week.

“It would mean a lot to the club to claim another bit of success and history,” said the 35-year-old, who spent five years at the club before joining Tilbury at the start of term.

“In the time I have been at East Thurrock I have been involved in a few of the successes, including two promotions, surviving relegations and a few cup runs so it would be another one to add to that.

“I always go into games believing we are capable of winning. Chelmsford are a very strong team and they have good players as we saw.

“But we also are quietly confident that if we do the jobs asked of us by the management we can cause an upset.”

Peddie has not yet played in the competition, despite being involved in a Tilbury squad earlier in the year, with manager John Coventry believing he will be eligible.

The defender dropped two divisions after helping Rocks to Ryman Premier League play-off success last year, due to concerns over increased travel requirements clashing with his work commitments.

But he said he was really enjoying being back at Rookery Hill and, having played five matches since his return, he was pleased with how he had settled back into the group.

And he added he had not ruled out staying on at the club next year, should he be required by the management.

“At the time Covo was struggling with players and he asked me if I would consider coming back,” he said.

“I took a look at the fixtures that were to play and luckily they tied in quite well with my work.

“The boys have helped me settle. I knew a lot of them anyway from my previous stint here and it was easy to come back in.

“In terms of the football there is a step up in quality, but with the help of my team-mates I have done OK.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about beyond the end of the season but for now it is just until it is done.

“But staying on certainly isn’t out of question. I am enjoying it a lot.”