JOHN Coventry believes his entire East Thurrock United squad deserves plenty of credit after enjoying an impressive start to 2020.

Rocks, who head to Kingstonian tonight, sealed a 3-0 victory over Lewes to remain within touching distance of the Isthmian Premier League play-off places at the weekend.

And Coventry is particularly pleased with East Thurrock’s work rate off the ball as Rocks recorded a third clean sheet in their last four Isthmian Premier League outings heading into their latest contest.

“Credit has to go to the whole team working when we haven’t got the ball for our good record,” said Rocks boss Coventry.

“We have worked hard on what we want the players to do when in possession and out of possession.

“I think we have got the players doing their jobs perfectly at the moment.

“If we are out of possession, it’s important that you have 11 players on the pitch who are naturally prepared to defend.

“Our squad is like that and it’s great.”

East Thurrock will visit Kingstonian after goals from Frankie Merrifield, Mitch Gilbey and Danny Harris secured all three points at Lewes.

And Coventry was pleased with his side’s performance.

“We deserved to win the game,” added Coventry.

“It was 1-0 for a long time and they didn’t threaten our goal at all.

“My goalkeeper didn’t have to make a save in the whole game and the nearest they came to scoring was when Cosso (Danny Cossington) attempted to clear the ball and inadvertently hit our own post.

“We made it more comfortable in the last six minutes by getting the second and third goals.

“I’d made a couple of changes before that to finish if off.

“That made it less edgy than it could have been in the final moments.

“Although it was comfortable, it was by no means spectacular.”

Kai Brown made his first Isthmian Premier League start since joining Rocks on loan from Ipswich Town.

And Coventry was pleased with how the ex-Grays Athletic winger performed as he continues to adjust to life with East Thurrock.

“Kai did well on his first start in the Isthmian Premier League,” admitted Coventry.

“He was sharp mentally and physically.

“Kai sees opportunities and reads the game well.

“He is very quick and positive on the ball, which is fantastic.

“Kai is still trying to learn about us and we’re trying to learn more about him but he has done well with us so far.”