JOHN Coventry says East Thurrock United must use the momentum from a last minute win to their advantage when they face in-form Cray Wanderers tomorrow.

Rocks recorded a late 2-1 win over Brightlingsea Regent to climb up to fourth place in the Isthmian Premier League standings.

And, having conceded numerous late goals on their way to suffering relegation from the National League South last term, Coventry was pleased to see his side’s luck change.

“It is very unusual for us to score a last minute winner and we want to build on that,” said the Rocks’ boss.

“We weren’t at our best but I sometimes think it is better to win when you are not at your best because that shows you are a good side.

“It would be great to play well in every game, but picking up the points is the most important thing because that builds momentum.”

Cray, who were crowned the Isthmian South East champions last term, have made a promising start to the campaign and find themselves eighth in the standings having picked up 10 points from their first seven outings.

And Coventry is hoping summer signing Frankie Merrifield, who bagged both goals in the victory over Brightlingsea, will be firing on all cylinders at Hayes Lane.

“Frankie has done really well since joining us,” added Coventry.

“He not only scores goals but he gives you everything.

“His workrate is fantastic and he must be a nightmare for defenders to play against because he really doesn’t give them a rest.

“You can see in his game that he has not always been a striker because he drops back into the number 10 role sometimes.

“Cray are a good footballing side and their manager, Tony Russell, sticks to his way of playing, which should be admired.

“We need players like Frankie to be at their best if we want to pick up a positive result because Cray have made a good start to the season and they will be hoping to build on that.”