EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry declared himself proud of his team's response after conceding two early goals in their 3-1 FA Cup Third Qualifying Round defeat at Tamworth on Saturday.

"We played against a side two divisions above us," said Coventry. "We allowed them a bit too much room and had a dodgy couple of minutes which they took advantage of. But you have to be realistic. We've come here today and given them a game and they'd be the first to admit that."

Tom Shaw's neat finish on his debut after 17 minutes and Bradley Pritchard's strike two minutes later allowed the Blue Square North side to control the game against opposition two divisions below them.

Alex Rodman missed chances to make the game safe soon after the break but the impressive Gary Sheldon added a third with an unstoppable 25-yard free-kick.

Martin Llewellyn, a 16-year-old substitute, scored a late consolation for East Thurrock when he smashed home Kris Newby's centre.

Coventry was pleased for the youngster and hopes he and others will learn from their FA Cup experience.

"I've sent on two 16-year-olds and one's scored, which is great for him," said Coventry.

"I've not just come here for a nice day out so I am disappointed, especially as we conceded through some bad play.

"But there's a bigger picture here. It's a learning curve and everyone will hopefully go away with something different.

"The first thing I said to them is that the Cup run is great but we're here to win the league and I'm looking for a good response now."

That response starts on Tuesday when Rocks travel to Great Wakering Rovers.