TWO of Thurrock's non-league sides in action this evening (Monday, 5 December) suffered disappointment.

Aveley blew the chance to go top of the Isthmian North in their own right but could have few complaints after a single goal defeat at home to neighbours Brentwood Town.

And East Thurrock suffered a 3-1 defeat at Haringey Borough that leaves them just one place off the bottom of the Isthmian Premier.

Previously boasting a 100 per cent record in league and cup, Aveley went into tonight's match in optimistic mode, but they struggled to trouble their visitors all night.

In a fast-paced match it was always Brentwood who looked more likely to score, catching their hosts on the break a number of times and certainly looking the sharper of two sides up top in the first half when visiting keeper Preston Edwards was never troubled.

Aveley would have hoped for better things in the second half but a more direct approach with the wind at their backs looked a poor choice of tactics and it was no surprise when Brentwood broke away just after the hour and Andrew Freeman slotted the ball home as Aveley were stretched.

Aveley rang the changes after the goal, replacing strikers Bradley Sach and George Sykes with the more mobile Manny Ogunrinde and playmaker Freddie Gard and they thought they had drawn level when Jason Ring played in Harry Donovan, who looked as if he had made a perfectly-timed run from deep but the goal was ruled out for offside – a decision that looked extremely harsh.

With ten minutes to go Ogunrinde had the chance to make a big impression when he broke through with just Edwards to beat but he fluffed the opportunity and though there was plenty of huff and puff from the Millers in the closing stages, they didn't really threaten and it would be tough to argue that Brentwood didn't deserve the points on the overall balance of play.

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Over in North London, East Thurrock were looking to build on Saturday's first point of the season against Haringey but fell behind after just four minutes when former Rock Roman Michael-Percil converted a hotly disputed penalty.

And he got a second chance to convert from the spot on 35 minutes, putting East Thurrock further behind. Things could have got worse by Rocks keeper Arthur Janata made a fine save just before half time to keep them in it.

Rocks were much improved in the second half but any hopes of an unlikely comeback were dashed on 75 minutes when Jamie- Lee O'Donoghue grabbed Borough's third, making Kenny Aileru's 80th minute strike little more than a consolation for the visitors.

Tomorrow evening there will be Isthmian North derby action at Chadfields, where Tilbury entertain Grays Athletic.