JOHN Coventry has called on his East Thurrock United side to return to winning ways after suffering their first defeat of 2020 last weekend.

Rocks suffered a 3-1 loss to promotion chasers Folkestone Invicta, which resulted in their six-match unbeaten run in the Isthmian Premier League coming to an end.

And Coventry hopes East Thurrock will rediscover the winning feeling when they visit Wingate & Finchley, who prop up the table, tomorrow.

“We went unbeaten throughout January in the league and we shouldn’t have lost to Folkestone last weekend either,” said boss Coventry.

“It could have easily been another game unbeaten.

“We want to maintain our form because it’s play-off form.

“I hope the players are hurting after losing our unbeaten run and it’s all about the reaction now.

“They are a good bunch of lads and they have always rebounded from disappointing results in the past.”

While Wingate are three points adrift at the foot of the table, they have conceded just one goal in their last three fixtures.

But Coventry is only focused on his Rocks side, who currently occupy ninth spot and are six points adrift of the play-off places.

“I know Wingate’s form has picked up of late, but I am not looking at them,” added Coventry.

“I’m concentrating on us and how the players bounce back from last weekend.

“It is only after the game that I will know how much the defeat to Folkestone affected us.”

Ben Marlow may miss out this weekend through injury.