RYMAN PREMIER: East Thurrock United manager John Coventry says he cannot remember a play-off chase as tight as this in his time at the club and believes his side has been given ‘another opportunity’ to make the top five.

Rocks sit eighth in the table, having occupied the final play-off position last month but went on a run of six games without a win between the start of February and March to see them drop off the pace.

But four points in the last two games have seen East Thurrock close to within two points of fifth-place, and they are one of 10 teams separated by only five points.

Witham Town visit Rookery Hill tomorrow, fighting at the other end of the division as they are only out of the relegation places on goal-difference.

And Coventry says Rocks need at least four wins from their remaining six games to secure a top five spot.

“Six weeks ago we had a really good chance of making the play-offs,” he said. “But we have blown up since then and our form recently suggests maybe we don’t deserve to be in the top five. But a lot of the teams around us are finding it hard at the moment as well.

“All the teams around us are in the same situation and I think that means whoever does get in will end up with a low total. We had 70 points when we came fifth in 2012/13 (when there were only 42 league games) but I think it will take at least 74 this year.

Billericay Town are in pole position but all this means is every game is a cup final. We could win all our games and that still not be enough if Billericay do the same.”

Now in his eighth season as manager Coventry believes his squad are more than capable of securing a top five position, although believes fourth-placed Dulwich Hamlet, who Rocks drew 3-3 with last weekend, are just out of reach (six points clear of fifth placed Enfield Town).

“They should have enough,” he said. “It was a shame we couldn’t get the three points there last weekend as we led from the third minute but went behind late on so maybe a point is a decent result.

“Neutrals said we were the better side but I thought a draw was fair. We need to build on it now and hopefully the last two games are a turning point.”

Rocks have a fully-fit squad for the visit of Witham tomorrow.