East Thurrock United missed out on the chance to go top of Ryman Division Two for the first time this season, falling 2-1 at home to Leatherhead.

With title rivals Lewes in FA Vase action, the Rocks knew victory would have lifted them clear of the rest of the division, and they were out of the blocks quickly on Saturday with visiting keeper Justin Gray twice called into action.

He then went to pull off an impressive save to deny Ricky Finning when one-on-one, before the breakthrough finally arrived in the first minute of injury time.

Scott Holding's deep cross found Finning unmarked at the far post and he headed in with ease.

Leatherhead responded immediately though when Wesley Cain rose unchallenged to spin a header home.

The second half began much the same as the first with Colin Wall's header for United being cleared off the line, before Leatherhead grabbed un unexpected winner from the penalty spot. Wes Faulkener was adjudged to have handled in the box, and the much-travelled Alex Inglethorpe despatched the spot-kick.

Wivenhoe conceded four goals in a league match for the second time within a fortnight on Saturday, falling 4-1 at home to Berkhamstead Town.

From the first whistle, the visitors looked most likely to make the breakthrough and that duly arrived 14 minutes in as Andy Mullins despatched a drive into the top corner.

Terry Nightingale extended that lead shortly after, only for top scorer Matt Carmichael to get one back before half-time.

Berkhamstead extended their advantage in the second half to leave Wivenhoe five off the bottom.

Tilbury secured a good away win at Molesey. A hat-trick from Jean Marie Okita gained revenge for the home defeat earlier this season, with Dante Aligheri pulling back a late consolation.

In Division Three, Aveley's poor run of form continued as they threw away a two-goal advantage at Edgware Town, having to settle for a point with a Billy Goldstone own goal and Seppio Bowen completing the comeback for the London club.

Little luck also for Witham Town whose promotion challenge now appears to be slipping.

Goals from Ben Chester and Joe Gibson gave Tring Town a 2-0 success to leave Witham 9th in the table and four points off a promotion place.

Published Sunday, March 3, 2002