JOHN Coventry believes he has found areas in which East Thurrock United can exploit Peterborough Sports.

The two sides will meet for an FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Rookery Hill tomorrow.

And, having watched Peterborough’s Southern Central Premier defeat at the hands of Banbury United in midweek, Coventry feels he has noticed weaknesses in Rocks’ opponents.

“I had them watched last Saturday and the report I got back was pretty much spot on compared to what I saw on Tuesday,” said the East Thurrock boss.

“They are better going forward than defensively.

“They had more possession than the opposition and looked dangerous in parts going forward, but they have problems at the back and that was why they lost 3-1.

“A few of their attacking players impressed me.

“But there are definitely things we can exploit.”

Coventry also feels this weekend’s FA Cup clash is a welcome distraction from Isthmian Premier League action.

“If you win the prize money, it’s a welcome break from the league,” added Coventry.

“The league games come quite thick and fast, so it’s nice to have a break from that.

“The FA Cup, at this stage, gives you an opportunity to play against a team you don’t know much about.”

East Thurrock go into the encounter having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Haringey Borough last time out.

And Coventry insists his side must be more clinical.

Coventry admitted: “We came away a bit confused because we played really well.

“The difference between the two sides was that we were a bit toothless in the attacking third, while we also conceded two sloppy goals.

“We had more chances and possession than Haringey.

“It was a difficult place to go and we felt we could have come away from there with a point.”

However, Coventry will be unable to call upon Mitch Gilbey and Lee Burns this weekend, while there are also doubts as to whether Andy Pugh could be involved.

“Mitch Gilbey got an injury on Saturday,” confirmed Coventry.

“He got a hairline fracture on his metatarsal, but we’re hoping he won’t be out for too long.

“Andy Pugh got a knock on an area where he has had problems before.

“He has a screw in his leg and that area collided with the goalkeeper, but we’re hopeful that he may be available.

“Lee Burns was declared fit at the weekend but, in training on Tuesday, he blew up again with the same injury.

“It’s going to take a few weeks, or longer, to get it right.”