EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says it will be “a magnificent achievement” if his team can remain unbeaten for the next week.

Rocks are one of only two teams in the top seven tiers to still be unbeaten in all competitions - the other being Premier League leaders Manchester City.

East Thurrock made it 11 matches unbeaten this campaign on Saturday, with a 1-0 win against Biggleswade Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

But with home matches against second-placed Truro City and fourth-placed St Albans City to come in the next five days, Coventry is under no illusions about the size of the challenges that lie ahead.

“We have two very difficult matches in the next week against Truro and St Albans,” he said.

“Truro are going well and they are currently second in the division.

“We beat them 6-0 and 5-1 last season but they are a very different proposition this time.

“We found them comfortable in both games last season but it promises to be a very different challenge this time.

“Four days later we play St Albans who are a very talented side.

“If we come through the next week unbeaten that will be a magnificent achievement, but we will have to work very hard to make that happen.

“I knew about the unbeaten statistic so let’s hope Man City get beat this weekend!

“It makes me proud. I don’t know who thinks of these stats but we have worked hard to be in this position.

“It hasn’t been turning up and winning games but we want it to continue, of course.”

Rocks welcome Isthmian Premier League side Harlow Town in the next round of the FA Cup, and Coventry is aware of the challenge.

“Harlow are a talented side,” he said. “They can score goals and we will need to be on our toes.”