CRAIG Edwards praised his Billericay Town side for bouncing back to beat rivals East Thurrock United after being on the end of a thrashing at the weekend.

Town were beaten 5-1 at Margate on Saturday and Edwards said he and the team were “taught a lesson” that day by “the best team at this level”.

And he said his team refused to lose against Rocks after two defeats on the bounce, praising his defenders, including ex-East Thurrock man Stevie Sheehan, for their performances.

“Sometimes it is as much about the performance, but today was all about the result,” he said. “When you take a beating your confidence does take a knock and to bounce back quickly is important.

“It is time for the centre-backs to make the position theirs now. Nutsy (Sheehan) and Scott (Ryan Scott) have both done well for us and Halle is the captain so they all need to show they are worthy of those two spots.”

Town have brought in ex-Boston United midfielder Jake Hall, and he impressed on his debut, playing in a more attacking position, given Town’s lack of strikers.

“We had three centre-forwards out (Chris Benjamin, Rowan Liburd and Ricky Sappleton) and, as much as I don’t want to make excuses, I defy anyone to play as well at this level with these players out.

“Jake did well for us and he is one that is only going to get better.”

Rocks boss John Coventry said he felt his side were on top in the game, until the moment the unfortunate Tom Stephen headed over his own keeper to give Town the lead.

“Our gameplan was destroyed when we lost Manny Osei before kick-off,”

said Coventry. “We had to change things around and when you don’t help yourself it doesn’t make things easier.

“The goal we conceded was so unfortunate. Tom has headed it over our keeper and it is one of those things that just happens. All-in-all there wasn’t much between the two sides and that makes it more frustrating.

“I thought the referee did OK. In these conditions it was always going to be harder for the players and I don’t think there