THERE were massively differing emotions among supporters of two borough non-League sides as they travelled back from away matches this afternoon.

Those wearing the blue and white colours of Aveley were delighted as they journeyed home from Felixstowe and Walton United with a 2-0 victory that put them back to the top of the Isthmian North table with their two title rivals both suffering disappointing results.

But East Thurrock United's hopes of avoiding relegation from the premier division took a knock with defeat at Leatherhead, though manager Mark Harrison remains upbeat and full of belief that his side can still avoid the drop.

There was also disappointment for Grays Athletic who suffered a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of relegation threatened Witham Town - but Tilbury enjoyed a good day, possibly hammering the last nail in the coffin of the play-off ambitions of visitors AFC Sudbury.

Aveley's 2-0 at Felixstowe was the local performance of the day without doubt and this evening (Saturday, 19 March) they sit two points clear of rivals Canvey and Stowmarket.

Stowmarket do have a game in hand, but Aveley will entertain them at Parkside later this month so the destiny of the title really is in the Millers' own hands now.

Today's match at the Goldstar Ground was hard fought and the visitors did well to come out of the first few minutes without conceding as Felixstowe made a blistering start with a number of chances.

However, Aveley settled and saw their first chance come on 17 minutes, Jon Benton firing a swerving long range effort just over the bar.

The game continued at a good pace for the remainder of the half with odd chances at either end but the deadlock remained going into the break.

But it didn't last long after, as, three minutes following the restart, a corner from the left was swung in to the near post and Ryan Scott had the relatively simple task of nodding the ball into the net. From there Aveley were content to soak up any Felixstowe pressure, rely on their firm defence to repel any real danger and hit the Seasiders on the break with their lightning quick attack force.

And they made the game safe on 84 minutes when Alex Akrofi ran clear of two defenders and confidently placed the ball past keeper Callum Robinson to confirm the win and top spot.

This morning's leaders Canvey went down 2-1 at Coggeshall while Stowmarket were held 3-3 by Hashtag United. Millers can cement that top position on Tuesday when they travel to Basildon United.

For much of the match at Fetcham Grove it looked as if East Thurrock might get something from the vital game.

Manager Marc Harrison was disappointed with the lack of energy in his side but they were still a match for the hosts, who had to wait until the 35th minute to take the lead through Mitchal Gough.

However, Rocks drew level just after the hour through former Braintree man Harry Hope and it looked as if a point each would be the outcome.

That was until Leatherhead were awarded a penalty five minutes from time, converted by Louie Paget, and Ibitayo Oyebola compounded Rocks' disappointment with a third for Leatherhead in

After the match Harrison said: "I just don't think we turned up today. We had a few moments but Leatherhead matched the enthusiasm of their supporters but I don't think we matched the enthusiasm of ours. I thought we were a little bit lax in a lot of moments."

However, he refused to give up on survival and is already planning for Tuesday's home clash with Cheshunt, saying: "There's still a hell of a lot to play for. I believe we can stay up. What I see of my group we can upset teams. I want this to go to the very end and I do believe we can stay up."

Back in the borough Grays were predicted favourites going into their clash at Parkside against Witham, but the relegation-threatened visitors upset the odds.

It looked as if it might be plain sailing for Grays when Ryan Melaugh put them ahead after four minutes, a lead they took into the break.

Witham drew level four minutes into the second half through Josh Osude who doubled his tally on the hour.

Ramiah Mills piled on the misery for home supporters with a goal two minutes from time – which proved invaluable as Melaugh got one back in the lasat minute but time ran out on the Blues, who remain fourth and well placed to secure a play-off place though in-form Hastag United and Brentwood Town – plus a couple of others are breathing down their necks.

Grays are next in action in the local derby at Tilbury next Saturday and the Dockers will be in confident mood for that after beating AFC Sudbury 3-1 today.

All the goals came in the second half with Roman Campbell netting a double for the Dockers on 52 and 79 minutes. Jamie Shaw caused a moment's worry with a Subdury goal on 88 minutes but Charles Brown quickly settled home nerves with Tilbury's final goal in the last minute.