JOHN Coventry believes “it was very important not to lose” following East Thurrock’s 1-1 draw with early title contenders St Albans City.

Rocks’ 11 match unbeaten run came to an end against Truro City on Saturday.

Coventry had made no bones about his desire not to get beat in Tuesday evening’s match as a result of the defeat, although he came away thinking his side perhaps deserved more from the match.

“I am pleased,” he said, after Sam Higgins’ penalty had pegged back Rhys Murrell-Williamson’s opener.

“We came into it off the back of a defeat against Truro so it was very important not to lose.

“For the first 20 we were up against it. I know they were decent and I knew where they were strong but we got to grips with it, having made a few changes.

“But then we more than matched them. I would go as far to say that if anyone was going to win it would be us.”

Rocks dominated the second-half, with Lewis Smith, Lee Burns and Montel Agyemang all coming close to forcing a winner.

But it wasn’t to be, although Coventry insists it is one point gained rather than two points lost - with the team fourth in the National League South.

“We got beat after a long run so I wanted a reaction and I got one,” he said.

“It took 20 minutes, after a slow start, and the pitch suited them. It was a high tempo game but I will look back and think that is a good point for us.

“The game got expansive and I was concerned as the ball was going all over the place and, although we didn’t have clear cut chances, we were making all the effort to get the final winner.

“In terms of the penalty award I will say that I don’t have a clue,” he added, after an excellent run from Marvin Ekpiteta saw the ball appear to strike a defender’s arm.

“From where I was there were so many bodies in the box. What I will say is that in the build up to the penalty there was a deliberate handball which was ignored.

“Peds (Simon Peddie) put the cross in and he raised his arms in the box. It was a penalty, so we deserved that. Even if the other one wasn’t.”