EAST Thurrock United attacker Lewis Smith says he is enjoying stepping up and scoring the goals in the absence of star striker Sam Higgins.

Rocks sit 11th in the Ryman Premier League after a slow start to the season, although the form of Smith has been a positive for manager John Coventry.

The 25-year-old has netted four goals so far, including both in an impressive 2-1 win at Hendon two weeks ago.

And with Higgins, who scored 44 times last term, injured, Smith says it is about time the team rose to the challenge and showed they can play without him, as he bids to continue his recent goal scoring form against Leatherhead tomorrow.

“I have been pleased with my own form,” he said, having scored 11 times last season. “I know Covo wanted to get more out of me this season so to start with four goals in August is good. Any striker’s aim is to score goals and I am no different. When Higgo is out of the team someone has to step up as he has scored a few goals in the past. I like to think I can be that person, although I would rather play with him as he is a good player.

“Where teams have made so many changes over the summer I don’t know how much you can really look too much into Leatherhead,” he added. “You just have to look at yourselves. It is still early doors at the moment and we will see players return to the team and when there is competition for places the team steps up its game.”

Coventry has been critical of his team’s performances in recent weeks, although he praised Smith, who he has been coaching at local sides since he was 12-year-old.

And Smith said the team will gel sooner rather than later.

“I think what Covo has been saying is fair to be honest,” he admitted. “With the squad we have got we need to be progressing but when you welcome a lot of new players into the squad it is always quite difficult at the start.

“We have tightened up in the areas we needed to and are looking stronger so it is just a case of gelling now.”

 

THE LOWDOWN: The result could largely depend on which Leatherhead side turn up. The Surrey outfit sit mid-table after an unpredictable run of form. They have beaten the much-fancied Kingstonian and Dulwich Hamlet already this season but have lost the last two to newly promoted sides.

WHERE AND WHEN: Tomorrow at Rookery Hill, in Rookery Hill, Corringham, SS17 9LB. Kick-off 3pm.

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR: Fired-up Rocks – manager John Coventry has called on his side to pull a performance out of the bag after a number of disappointing displays early on in the season. A win at high-flyers Hendon a fortnight ago caught the league’s attention but they failed to build on that with two below-par showings last weekends, despite claiming two draws.

TICKETS: Available on the gate. Adults £10, OAP/students £5, under-16s £2.