East Thurrock's Coventry piles pressure on Stringer’s Chelmsford

Rocks’ 2-1 victory over Oxford City on Saturday means they are safely ensconced in mid-table, with the Clarets still gunning for a play-off spot.

This match is seven days before the two sides meet in the Essex Senior Cup final, with East Thurrock looking to lift the trophy for the first time.

But Coventry said the two matches are completely different.

“We are under no pressure whatsoever now,” he said. “We are under no pressure in the league or the cup because we are playing such a good side in Chelmsford.

“This game represents a chance for me to give minutes to a few players.

“I have a few that are cup-tied next week and that means I can play around a bit this evening.

“Chelmsford have their agenda and we have ours. The two games are completely different and what they do is up to them.

“Everytime you step out onto the pitch you want to win the match. But I think Chelmsford are a very good side, I have seen them five or six times this year and always been impressed.

“(Manager) Rod (Stringer) has a large and adaptable squad and they can play any way they want because of the quality they possess.”

Tonight’s game will also see striker Sam Higgins return to the squad, with Rocks missing their captain since he went off with a hamstring injury against Norwich United on February 25.

Last week, Coventry said Higgins was a serious doubt for the cup final next Tuesday, but he may now have as many as 19 players available come tonight’s match.

“Sam Higgins will be included in the squad,” he said. “We must bear in mind he has not kicked a football in weeks but it would be good for him to get some minutes under his belt.

“James Walker will not make the squad. My plan was for Femi Akinwande and Scott Heard’s loan deals to coincide with the return of these players.

“I never thought I would be saying this three weeks ago when I had only 12 or 13 players in the squad.

“It has improved and I will have 19 available.”