EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry says tonight’s landmark Essex Senior Cup final represents a chance to repay those most loyal to the club.

Rocks take on National League South rivals Chelmsford City at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm) – as they bid to win the cup for the first time in their history.

Coventry’s men have never booked a final berth in the Senior Cup before, having prioritised other competitions.

And the Rocks chief says his side are massive underdogs, while admitting he has known his starting XI for weeks.

“We are up against a very good side,” he said. “I think we are playing a team with a different agenda. They are ambitious and they can be so good luck to them.

“We are different, our targets are different and tonight the target is different. I have players that have been with me a long time and who are loyal and it is a chance to repay that loyalty.

“I am looking forward to it for the whole club. That includes the people that cut the grass and wash the shirts. It is a nice night for those people and I am genuinely excited.

“I have known my team for this game for a long time.”

Both teams come into the game in good form. Rocks have won three of the last four while the Clarets have lost just once in their last 11 as they bid to secure promotion.

AFC Hornchurch, Bowers & Pitsea, Colchester United and Tilbury have been beaten on Rocks’ run to the final, while Chelmsford have beaten holders Concord Rangers, Barking, Braintree Town and Heybridge Swifts.

East Thurrock beat Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday as Coventry’s team continue to impress in their first ever season in the National League South.

“We wanted about 43 points, then 45, then 50 and now we are on 51,” he said. “We were very good on Saturday. We did our jobs and we applied ourselves well.

“So in terms of tonight, we are in good form and we will have 16 players available.

“In terms of what winning this cup would mean, of course it would be great,” he added. “But I can’t sit here and say it would be the most special.

“We have had to focus on other things in the past. Qualifying for the FA Cup first round is more special, winning in the play-offs last year and winning promotion from the Ryman North.

“But it would be great. We are playing a good side and are not going along to make up the numbers.”

Marvin Ekpiteta, Scott Heard and Femi are all cup-tied, with Marvel Ekpiteta and James Walker will be in the squad.

As of yesterday, 600 tickets had been sold for the match.