JOHN Coventry has thanked his East Thurrock United squad for their determination and effort after they claimed back-to-back wins over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Rocks defeated Bognor Regis Town 2-0 on Saturday, before winning 1-0 at Dartford on Bank Holiday Monday.

The victories kept Rocks third in the National League South standings and unbeaten after seven matches.

It was also the Corringham-based club’s first clean sheets of the season, having conceded 10 in the first five matches of term.

And Coventry said he was very pleased with his players’ efforts, after results against ball-playing Bognor and the more direct Dartford.

“We played two good opponents that presented two different styles and problems,” said Coventry.

“Having dealt with the first threat we were able to adapt and keep out Dartford and I am really pleased with that.

“Bognor will play in front of you and they want to pass the ball and work through you. Dartford will go long and quick from back to front.

“We were very good in the first half against Dartford and after that they presented more problems.

“A team with the ball doesn’t have to work as hard as a team without the ball and in the second half of our second game in three days we had to dig in and work hard.

“We worked our socks off as they are a hard side to play against and have a strong home support.

“It was a complete performance and I can’t fault their efforts.”

Rocks are now top of the goal-scoring charts (17) and look potent in forward areas thanks to the early goals of Sam Higgins, Lewis Smith and Montel Agyemang.

And while Coventry is pleased at East Thurrock’s potent attack, he lauded their defensive efforts.

He also added that he wasn’t getting carried away following their excellent start.

“We are in our second season and we are still managing to find the net regularly,” he said.

“The biggest problem for me was keeping the opponents out at the other end but we have had a chat about it and got two clean sheets.

“It is down to the determination.

“The back four and keeper don’t want to concede, of course, but everyone is chipping in.

“We have had a fantastic start and are grateful for these points as all teams have bad spells, and that includes us.

“It gives us a buffer and that is a good thing.”