JOHN Coventry says East Thurrock United “committed suicide” after throwing away a two-goal lead twice in the FA Trophy, but has backed them to put it right tonight.

Rocks played out an entertaining 4-4 draw with Southern Premier League side Arlesey Town on Saturday in the second qualifying round of the competition.

Strikes from David Bryant, Sam Higgins and a Mitchell Gilbey double looked enough to send the hosts through, but the visitors came back from two goals down twice to snatch an unlikely replay.

And Coventry said it was a match his side should have seen out.

“We were poor,” he said. “We have made really hard work of this game and should be through by now, but fair play to Arlesey. They will have got a lot of confidence from this result.

“We got a big complacent having got into a good position and committed suicide. We need to do better tonight.”

Rocks travel to the Armadillo Stadium without suspended striker Sam Higgins, with defenders Paul Goodacre and Ben Wood also doubtful. David Bryant should lead the line if he recovers from a back injury with Lewis Smith also in contention for a return to action.

The winners of the tie will take on Conference South frontrunners Havant & Waterlooville but the Rocks manager said he hadn’t started thinking about that match yet.

“It’s a tough draw but we look forward to tests like this, assuming we beat Arlesey,” said Coventry. “The players like testing themselves and it’s a good tie if we can get there.”