THERE was New year's Day disappointment for all the borough non-League sides today, though Tilbury might be best pleased of the four having grabbed a second half equaliser to thwart Aveley's derby-winning hopes.

The visiting Millers took the lead after nine minutes through Alex Akrofi's glancing header but they were denied the win when Tilbury sub Igli Metalia scored for the Dockers nine minutes from time, no doubt much to the delight of Dockers boss Keith Rowland in his first clash against the club that dispensed with his services just a couple of months ago.

A crowd of 402 watched the 1-1 draw at Chadfields and there was just one less at Parkside where Grays Athletic were outplayed for much of their table-topping clash with Canvey Island who made a dream start with a third minute goal from Evenas Kouassi.

Tobi Tinubu added a second for the Gulls on 26 minutes and though Kai Brown pulled one back for Grays just after the half hour, that was as good as it got for the hosts.

A 5st minute effort from Odei Martin Soronda wrapped up the 3-1 win for Canvey who remain second. Despite the defeat, Grays remain in the play-off zone in fifth.

In the Premier Division there was a morale-sapping defeat for East Thurrock United who played host at Rookery Hill to fellow strugglers Cray Wanderers, who were under the guidance of interim manager Grant Basey for the first time following the departure of Danny Kedwell. Kedwell will be remembered by Grays fans for his 2007-8 season with the blues when he made 50 appearances and scored 153 goals.

The visitors' 3-1 triumph lifts them above the Rocks, who drop into the bottom two automatic relegation places.

There was also an early goal in this clash, played out in front of 269, who saw Cameron Brodie put Crays ahead on nine minutes.

Ben Wyss put East Thurrock on level terms by the break but the second half belonged to Crays who grabbed goals from Anthony Cook (62) and Jai Reason (75) to make it an unhappy start to 2022 for the home side.

Joint managers Marc Harrison and Liam Wallace will be looking for the team to bounce back quickly on Monday to Wingate and Finchley, another side struggling in the lower reaches of the division and also beaten 3-1 today at Merstham.

Monday's fixtures in the Isthmian North brings a third consecutive derby for Aveley, who play host to bottom club and near neighbours Romford. Tilbury go to Basildon United while Grays make the trip to Brentwood, whose form has been erratic despite some big spending.