All four of the borough sides in action Saturday suffered disappointment, with only non-playing East Thurrock United having a big smile at the end of the day.

That came as a result of Southern League Division One East strugglers Erith and Belvedere beating leaders Fisher Athletic 3-0 to assist the Rocks title challenge.

While East Thurrock were delighted with that result it brought nothing but despondency to Tilbury who lost at 3-1 at Uxbridge, with Callan Ware getting them a late consolation goal. Dockers are now nine points behind third-from-bottom Erith and with a massively inferior goal difference.

Confirmation of relegation now seems only a matter of time for the dismal Dockers.

The borough's third Southern League side, Aveley, drew 2-2 at home to Waltham Forest, with their goals coming from Simon Thomas.

In the Conference South, runaway leaders Grays Athletic were held to a goalless draw at home by Newport County, but that seems only a minor hiccup as they remain 13 points clear of Cambridge City.

City play host to Thurrock on Tuesday and after a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Eastbourne on Saturday, Thurrock boss Colin McBride will be hoping his side bounce back and do Grays a favour while lifting their own challenge for a play-off spot.

There were some comings and going at Ship Lane over the weekend, with McBride signing Danny Shipp from neighbours Hornchurch. Shipp has also played for West Ham, Coleraine (Ireland) and Dagenham & Redbridge where he is their record goalscorer.

Cliff Akurang, who netted more than 30 goals last season but has struggled to make an impact this campaign, has left the club by mutual consent and signed for Ryman Premier League Heybridge. Recent recruit from Oldham David Lee has also left and has signed for Stevenage in the Conference.