EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry said leading the club to promotion was the best day of his managerial career.

The Rocks boss watched his side beat Dulwich Hamlet 3-1 in the Ryman Premier League play-off final, as a goal from George Craddock and a brace from Rickie Hayles saw them over the finish line.

East Thurrock will now compete in the National League South for the first time in their history next season, having lost just seven times in 48 league games this campaign.

And Coventry, in his eighth season as manager, says he couldn’t be prouder of what the club has achieved.

“It is the best day ever,” said Coventry. “It is a great day for everyone at the club and I am so pleased we have been able to win the game in what has been a remarkable season.

“It seems strange having just won promotion to think we have actually done it. To think a little old club like East Thurrock will be competing at that level is brilliant.

“I am so pleased for everyone as we have a very small team here but they work so hard and to have now achieved our goal is wonderful.”

All three of Rocks’ goals came from set-pieces, after captain Sam Higgins chose to play with the wind in the first half yesterday.

The decision proved an astute one, but Coventry said he was perhaps surprised Dulwich didn’t go more direct earlier than they did in the second period.

“Dulwich stuck to their game plan but I am surprised they didn’t go direct a little sooner than they did because of the wind,” he said. “The wind has played a part in this season but it worked to our advantage this time around and I couldn’t be happier.

“Rickie (Hayles) always tells me he is a big game player and he came up with the goods in the play-offs but the effort over the course of the season from the team has been remarkable. To lose just seven out of 48 and be top scorers is great.

“People always talk about Sam Higgins’ goals and of course he is vitally important for us but we have built a lot of this success on a very good defence, and that includes the midfield and the goalkeeper.

“It is a great day for everyone and I couldn’t be happier.”