JOHN Coventry is refusing to get downbeat after East Thurrock United suffered their first setback of the campaign.

Rocks’ 3-1 defeat at the hands of Potters Bar Town ended a 100 per cent winning start to the Isthmian Premier League campaign.

But East Thurrock boss Coventry remains confident in his squad.

Coventry, who welcomed numerous signings to Rookery Hill during the summer, said: “We were awful against Potters Bar.

“We were unrecognisable from the previous two games but we have to put it into perspective because this is a new squad.

“Since the start of the season, we have won two of the three games.

“If we carry on with that form, we will end the season in second or third place, so there is nothing to be too worried about.”

With East Thurrock not being involved in a midweek clash for the first time since the campaign got up and running earlier this month, Coventry was hoping to enjoy more time on the training pitch with his new-look squad.

But a succession of injuries has resulted in a large number of his players being unable to get involved.

“It’s good that we haven’t had a game during the week because we wanted to spend more time on the training pitch and that is beneficial,” added Coventry.

“But we have been struggling with injuries and that has resulted in there not being many people actually on the training pitch.

“We know that we have a problem on the injury side of things at the moment and it is something that we are trying to address.”

Summer signing Adam Topley, who joined from neighbours Concord Rangers, is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury during pre-season.

Lee Burns is also sidelined and will not be involved when Rocks travel to Merstham this weekend.

Billy Crook, Ryan Scott and Lewis Smith are also carrying knocks.