THURROCK'S hopes of promotion took another knock on Saturday with their seventh Conference South home defeat of the season.

While Colin McBride's men remain firmly embroiled in the play-off battle they will be looking to avoid a third successive league defeat at Hayes on Tuesday.

On Saturday St Albans were the victors at Ship Lane, emerging 2-1 winners, with Glenn Poole getting Thurrock's goal.

Meanwhile leaders Grays were extending their lead at the top of the table with a 21 win at Welling.

In the Southern League Division One East two of the borough's teams continue to have wildly differing fortunes.

East Thurrock United kept their second spot thanks to a 5-0 home win against struggling Great Wakering Rovers with goals from Gary Dixon (2), Paul Linger, Dean Chandler and Scott Holding's penalty.

That result did Tilbury a favour but the bottom club were unable to make up ground after a 3-1 home defeat by Barton Rovers.

Aveley earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Wivenhoe thanks to Jermaine Hughes' goal.