THERE was more good news than bad for the borough's non-league teams on Saturday The bad came in the north-west where a disappointing week for Grays ended with a convincing 3-0 defeat at Conference high-flyers Morcombe.

Following on the from FA Cup travesty at Mansfield and Tuesday's home draw with Altrincham, long time the long time leaders were looking for a morale-boosting return to form.

However it wasn't to be as Garry Thompson opened the scoring midway through the first half after getting on the end of Wayne Curtis' cross.

Thompson then turned provider on 38 minutes when he crossed and Danny Carlton doubled the lead with a powerful strike from 12 yards.

And Carlton in turn became a goal creator in the second half when the points were sealed on 58 minutes as Jim Bentley forced a left-foot shot in after a corner from Carlton.

Elsewhere, though, it was wins all the way.

Revitalised Thurrock are the form team of the Conference South and cemented their place in the play-off spots with a 4-2 win against Newport County at Ship Lane. They had to come from behind, with O'Sullivan netting for the visitors after just six minutes.

The lead lasted just eight minute, with Steve Harper continuing his rich vein of goalscoring form with an equaliser.

The scoreline remained locked at one apiece until an amazing three minute burst late in the second half. Martin Carthy put Thurrock ahead on 77 minutes, only for Belle to equalise a minute later.

Newport's celebrations were quickly doused when Harper got his second on 79 minutes and the points were finally secured when Carthy completed his brace in the last minute.

East Thurrock United's fine away form in the Ryman Premier league continued with a 3-1 victory at neighbours Billericay.

After a goalless first half, Lee Burns opened the scoring on 62 minutes, finishing off a probing run with a fine strike.

The lead was doubled five minutes later when Steve West produced the classic centre forward's finish with a far post header.

The home side got back in the game with a goal on 75 minutes but the points were made safe when another header, this time Garry Wotton's first goal for the Rocks, rippled the back of the net.

Aveley's revival in the Southern League Division One East continued with a single goal victory against Barton Rovers at Mill Field, while Tilbury were 2-1 Essex Senior league winners against Hullbridge Sports. *Detailed reports to follow.