THERE was a mixture of joy and disappointment ranging from late shock to joy as the borough's four non-League sides ran the gamut of emotions this afternoon (Saturday, 27 November).

East Thurrock United saw disappointment dragged from the jaws of delight at Merstham's Whisky Bible Stadium and Rocks supporters will no doubt have been needing a drop of the hard stuff to lift spirits on a bitterly cold afternoon in Surrey.

With just a couple of minutes remaining the Rocks looked set for a victory, leading thanks to Callum Robinson's 36th minute goal and yet another converted penalty from top scorer Alex Hernandez just after the hour.

But Reuben Collins ignited hope for the Moatsiders with a minute to go and with just second on the clock Dylan Adjei-Hersey snatched an improbable Isthmian Premier point for the home side in a 2-2 draw.

Things remain tight at the top of the Isthmian North where both Aveley and Grays Athletic are firmly entrenched in the promotion battle after wins today, but there was more disappointment for new Tilbury boss Keith Rowland, whose side when down 2-1 at home.

Aveley, who sit in third place this evening, made harder work than might have been expected in beating Witham Town.

The Millers made a great start and were one up after 11 minutes through Harry Gibbs' volleyed effort from Jon Benton's corner only for Suaibo Balde to put the visitors level on 35 minutes when Town's first effort on goal went under the body of keeper David Hughes and into the goal.

A penalty from Alex Akrofi after Manny Ogunrinde was fouled two minutes before the break restored Aveley's lead and on the stroke of half time things got even better when good work from livewire Ogunrinde led to Southend United loanee Benton adding to his rapidly growing tally of Millers goals with a tap-in.

However, Witham were not done and despite being the minnows in terms of possession and opportunity as Aveley frittered a number of opportunities away, they dragged themselves back into contention just after the hour when John Adebyi scored.

But Aveley were to put a cap on the result on 69 minutes when George Sykes' deflected goal restored the two goal advantage and the Millers saw out time.

A very healthy travelling contingent of Grays fans made the short trip to Pitsea and saw the Blues grab a 1-0 victory against Hashtag United.

They had to wait a while for the winner, which came in the 74th minute when Geoffrey Okonkwo was unmarked at a corner and nodded the ball home.

The wait for a first win for new Tilbury boss Keith Rowland goes on after the Dockers went down at home to Heybridge Swifts.

The visitors took the lead at Chadfields on the stroke of half time through Darius Ghinea and he added a second on 75 minues.

A penalty converted by Tilbury's Ola Ogunwamide with six minutes to go gave Tilbury some hope but they were unable to capitalise on it.