GRAYS Athletic enjoyed a convincing win to strengthen their bid for promotion from the Isthmian North to the Premier Division, but it's looking increasingly likely that East Thurrock United will be going in the opposite direction after the Rocks suffered a defeat on the road.

Anointed Chukwu netted twice from the spot in Grays' 5-2 win against Barking at Parkside in front of a crowd of 403. Many of them were club youngsters who attended joined in a celebration of the club's diversity policies.

Geofrey Okonkwo gave Grays the perfect start with a goal after just four minutes but Kieran Jones shocked the home supporters with an equaliser just seven minutes later.

The lead was restored by livewire Kai Brown on 18 minutes and Chukwu's first strike from the spot on the half hour gave the Blues a comfortable half time lead.

And the home side were home and hosed 15 minutes into the second half when Brown was brought down in the box by Barking keeper James Shaw, who was sent off. Chukwu converted and then Aron Gordon added a fifth on 71 minutes.

The last word was with Barking, who got a last minute consolation from Barney Williams.

With only two other matches taking place in the division, none featuring the leading clubs, Grays, with nine matches left, have improved their play-off hopes, sitting in fourth, seven points clear of sixth-placed Brentwood, who do have a match in hand. However, while Grays contemplate an exciting end to the season, things look bleak for East Thurrock United, whose next match at home on Tuesday is against runaway leaders Worthing. Today's 3-0 defeat at Enfield, with Town's goals coming from Sam Youngs (5), Muhammadu Faal (31) and Lyle Della-Verde (68), leaves Rocks eight points from safety. Optimists will point out that once the Worthing match is out of the way, Rocks have ten matches to play, none of which are against sides in the real promotion mix so the opportunity is there to add to their points tally against sides who may lack some motivation. Aveley's match at Basildon United and Tilbury's trip to Coggeshall were victims of the wet weather and waterlogged pitches.