JACK Giddens has set his sights on winning the Essex Senior Cup for a second consecutive year.

The East Thurrock United goalkeeper played a key role as Billericay Town overcame Chelmsford City in last season’s final.

And Giddens, who made the move to Rookery Hill last summer, is looking to claim county bragging rights again after helping Rocks into the semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Bowers & Pitsea.

“We have got to get to the final first, but we will give it a good go and it would be great for me to win back-to-back Essex Senior Cup titles,” said Giddens.

“The final was at Colchester United last season and it is there again. It’s a great place to play football and a fantastic occasion to be part of.

“It would be good to win the competition and it’s always nice for the club because there is a little bit of prize money as well.

“That helps and it’s a good night out for the fans too.

“It’s a good competition to be involved in and we will look to win the semi-final.”

Shaun Batt’s deft second half header, which converted a Ryan Scott cross, proved to be the difference as Rocks overcame Isthmian North table-toppers Bowers.

Giddens was in buoyant mood after keeping two clean sheets in succession and he feels recent signing Ibrahim Sori-Diallo has made an impact as East Thurrock’s defensive record has improved.

The goalkeeper added: “It was a good performance and result.

“It was nice to also keep back-to-back clean sheets and keep the positive results going.

“The gaffer (John Coventry) has brought in a few players recently and I played with Ibs a few years ago at Billericay under Craig Edwards.

“I feel he has shored us up a bit down that left hand side.

“I have seven clean sheets so far and I am now looking to reach 15 by the end of the season.”

Despite getting the better of Bowers, Giddens was impressed with Rob Small’s side in the quarter-final tie at the Len Salmon Stadium.

“You can see why they are up there at the top of the Isthmian North,” admitted Giddens.

“Lewis Manor is a presence up front and they also have the pace and skill of Quentin Monville going forward.

“They had a few other key players come off the bench and they are clearly a good side.

“But I think we dealt with them well and did well with a depleted squad.

“We were only able to name one substitute and we don’t have a big squad, but we coped well.”