A LAST minute goal lifted spirits and East Thurrock United off the foot of the Isthmian Premier Division this afternoon (Saturday, 26 February).

And the winning strike from Johnny Ashman against Carshalton Athletic was even more special as it came when the Rocks had been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Oli Coker who picked up yellow cards in quick succession in the 84th minute.

With fellow strugglers Leatherhead losing, the win was good enough to lift Rocks off the bottom, seven points away from safety but with games in hand on clubs immediately above them.

In the Isthmian North it was a good day for Aveley who beat promotion rivals Dereham 2-1 at Parkside. Millers stay third, two points behind leaders Canvey with a game in hand and both Essex sides were delighted to see the morning's leaders, Stowmarket held to a goalless draw by Basildon.

In front of a crowd of 347, Aveley took the lead after 35 minutes through George Sykes and held it until the 69th minute when Dion Frary levelled.

However, Sykes' second just four minutes later secured the win for the Millers.

Tilbury's caretaker boss Eljay Worrell was unable to steer the Dockers to a second successive win. His side went down at home to Maldon & Tiptree despite taking the lead through Brian Moses on 28 minutes.

Olumide Oluwatimilehin put the Jammers level three minutes into the second half and Ade Cole gave the visitors a 2-1 win on 70 minutes.