Peddie: East Thurrock's brutal end to season is taking its toll

Rocks were beaten 3-0 by Wealdstone on Monday night and return to action at title chasing Havant & Waterlooville this evening.

John Coventry’s side are safe in 15th position but know only two wins from their final two matches will see them match their points tally of 56 from their debut season in the National League South last term.

But 36-year-old Peddie, who has started eight of Rocks’ last nine matches, says he is determined to end on a high.

“We want to end the season well,” said Peddie. “Covo [Coventry] set us a target of getting more points than last season and although we cannot do that anymore we can still match it and that is the incentive for us.

“When I first came back it was good and we had a decent spell. Results have gone against us in the last few weeks but it is what it is.

“The amount of games we are playing is not ideal. Normally we only have one or two a week but we cannot rotate either due to the size of the squad so there are a lot of tired boys.

“It is harder to recover after games. While I am playing it is OK and you deal with it but in between games it is difficult.”

Peddie has played in 25 matches this term, including 20 starts.

He is likely to line up against second-placed Havant tonight, who know only victory by three or more goals will take them back above Dartford.

But the reliable defender is looking to take advantage of Havant’s situation, with the south coast side knowing anything but victory is not enough.

“We are playing a lot of teams with plenty to play for and we want that to go in our favour,” said Peddie. “Results haven’t gone our way recently and we haven’t played well in the games we have had either.

“It is the end of the year but we want to win when we cross the line.

“Tonight, all the pressure is on them.

“In terms of next season, I haven’t spoken to Covo about it yet,” added Peddie. “I have a lot of work commitments but we will have a chat in the summer about it all.”