THERE was disappointment for both Aveley and East Thurrock United in tonight's Isthmian League matches – though the unhappiness will run deepest at Rookery Hill where the Rocks went down to another defeat that leaves them with a mountain to climb if they are to avoid the drop from the Premier Division.

If they do go down, it is looking increasingly possible they will be replaced in the top flight by Aveley.

Although the Millers will have been disappointed with their goalless draw at lowly Basildon United, the point – plus Canvey's 1-1 home draw against AFC Sudbury (achieved thanks to an equaliser deep in added time from the Islanders' sub Elliott Ronto who only came on with a minute to go) - means the title destiny remains in their own hands.

The match this evening (Tuesday, 22 March) was hard fought with Aveley largely on top but they could not find the breakthrough and the sometime fractious encounter, with the Millers disappointed with a number of the referee's decisions, ended with a fracas between players in front of the benches.

Aveley remain top and two points clear of Canvey with both having played the same number of games and they are three clear of Stowmarket who have two games in hand.

However, one of those is on Saturday at Parkside where a bumper crowd is expected for a clash that could decide the title destination, with the Millers having a much better goal difference than their rivals to boot.

Despite manager Marc Harrison's optimism that his side could still avoid the drop, East Thurrock's plight now looks extremely precarious.

A goal in each half from Cheshunt's Joe Re (22) and Amadou Kassarate (59) gave the visitors a 2-0 win that leaves Rocks, who have just seven matches left, a gap of nine points to safety and they will require a remarkable turnaround in their own performances and a complete collapse by other teams not to go down.

Their next two opponents, Corinthian Casuals away on Saturday and Potters Bar at home next Tuesday are against mid-table sides with little to play for. Two wins might then make the first game in April – against fellow strugglers Merstham, a massive fixture.