GRAYS Athletic grabbed the derby bragging rights, the points and a place at the top of the Isthmian North after beating their landlords Aveley 2-1 at Parkside this afternoon.

After the game though, it was announced that manager Jim Cooper is leaving the Blues, retiring after a long career in the police force and managing in non-League.

Aveley may well rue a pre-season decision not to retain the services of striker David Knight as the veteran grabbed the winning goal on 65 minutes.

Knight hit a hat-trick for Grays in Saturday's 7-0 drubbing of Basildon, as did Anointed Chukwu who opened the scoring for Grays today after 14 minutes.

Shad Ngandu put Aveley on level terms with a 53rd minute penalty but Knight had the final say to make his day.

In the same division Tilbury got a first point of the season with 2-2 home draw against Canvey Island.

All the goals came in the second half with Eljay Worrell opening the scoring for the Dockers on 52 minutes

Matt Price (63 mins) and Elliott Ronto (69) pit the visitors ahead but Lewis Smith scores with 16 minutes remaining to earn a share of the points.

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In the Premier Division East Thurrock United led against visitors Brightlingsea Regent through Alex Hernandez's 76th minute goal but Harry McDonald equalised with five minutes to go.

Rocks had a chance to win it in added time but Kenny Aileru's penalty was saved.