LEE Burns has called on East Thurrock United to capitalise on the nerves of upcoming opponents and end the season strongly.

All of Rocks’ next four matches are against teams in the top eight of the National League South, with each hopeful of a play-off place at the very least.

East Thurrock are all but safe from relegation following an impressive 4-1 win against Concord Rangers last time out.

And with 15 points separating Rocks from the relegation places, Burns believes a positive end to the season is within their grasp.

“I always find that when you have a lot to play for - as those at the top and bottom do - there are nerves and that can filter down into the way you play,” said the 35-year-old.

“You often find once a side is relegated they pick up more points as the nerves go and I would like to think it’s the same for us.

“Players might think twice about playing a certain pass as if it goes wrong it can really impact on what happens in the table.

“We are safe and we can relax and I hope we can play the football we played at the start of the season.”

Burns has been a regular in the Rocks backline this season, making 42 appearances to date, including 38 starts.

The 4-1 win against Concord Rangers was one of Rocks’ best for a number of months and Burns is determined that the victory be used as a platform.

Back-to-back postponements against Wealdstone and Dartford - Burns’ former club - over the Easter bank holiday weekend mean Rocks still have a number of games to play this term.

But Burns feels confident ahead of the run-in.

“We want the Concord game to be a platform,” he said. We upped our workrate and John’s [manager John Coventry] tactics meant we played a powerful and physical side that meant we could control large parts of the game.

“It was a shame the Easter games were called off as Dartford are going well and it would have been a good gate on Monday. Having one game called off isn’t that bad but two isn’t ideal.

“But we will be ready when we do play and I look forward to seeing the Dartford boys again.

“We can still do some good things this season and we all want to end the season well. Not just for ourselves, but for John as well.”

Burns celebrated his 350th start for the club last September.

And he will be hopeful of making it to 400 next season, as he admits he has no plans to stop playing yet.

“I am going to keep playing,” said Burns. “I haven’t spoken to John about anything yet but I want to keep it going.

“I feel fit enough and strong enough to play, for sure.”