JOHN Coventry hailed his depleted East Thurrock United side after wrapping up a 3-0 win over Bognor Regis Town.

Goals from Danny Harris, Ayo Olukoga and Steve Sheehan allowed Rocks to pick up three Isthmian Premier League points.

And East Thurrock boss Coventry was impressed with how his outfit, who were missing numerous key players, performed at Rookery Hill.

Coventry said: “I was really pleased.

“We started with an understrength squad because of the injuries we have, but scoring three goals and winning three points was welcome.

“The players, knowing that we were without some key players, raised their game and did themselves no harm as they look to nail down a place in my side.

“They stood up and showed that they can do the job and that was great because we want them to step up to the plate.”

East Thurrock went into the clash having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Peterborough Sports in midweek.

But the defeat was quickly put behind them as goals from Harris and Olukoga gave the home side a two-goal cushion going into the break.

Sheehan added his name to the scoresheet 11 minutes after the interval by converting Alex Clark’s centre.

Bognor missed out on grabbing a consolation when Dan Smith saw his late spot-kick go wide.

And Coventry felt his side improved as the match went on.

“Some of the football we played resembled what we did at Peterborough Sports in midweek,” added Coventry.

“We played some of our best football of the season there and it was pleasing to take that into the weekend.

“It took a while to settle into the game but we improved and it was a good performance.

“We were fully deserving of the win.”