JOHN Coventry praised the tireless work rate of his East Thurrock United players after they booked their place in Monday’s Ryman Premier League play-off final.

Rocks beat Tonbridge Angels 2-0 at Rookery Hill tonight to set up a mouth-watering clash with Dulwich Hamlet, after goals from Rickie Hayles and Ben Marlow proved enough to see off the Kent side.

It was fourth time lucky for Coventry after three previous semi-final defeats, and the Rocks chief said he was delighted for everyone at East Thurrock.

“I am really pleased for everyone associated with the club,” said Coventry. “We have all worked incredibly hard to get here but so many people have made it possible.

“The players fought so hard to defend that advantage and they ran themselves into the ground in the second half.

“We have had three attempts before and lost them all so to get through to the final this year is very satisfying but if anyone thinks I am happy to have just got this far they are wrong.

“I want to win and the players want to win.”

The second goal came on the stroke of half time, as Rocks won a throw in an attacking position, with the excellent Hayles’ delivery causing mayhem in the Angels' box, from which Marlow profited.

And Coventry said it was hugely satisfying to see the strike hit the back of the net and double the home sides advantage into half time.

“We deserved the win,” said Coventry. “We pressed really well and got two good goals at good times. The second goal was so pleasing as it worked just the way we wanted it to. It was so close to half time that I told Rickie to take the long throw and it worked really well for us.

“It will be a good game between two good teams,” he added, of the Dulwich tie. “It will also be a very tough game, but one we all believe we can win.”