GOALS by former East Thurrock heroes bookended another heavy defeat for the Rocks at Hornchurch this afternoon (Saturday, 19 February), one of just two Isthmian Premier Division games to survive the weather.

For the fourth time in the league this season, with two more in cup competitions, East Thurrock conceded five goals or more and in 28 league matches this season they have conceded 74 times.

Few of those 74 will have been as painful as the opening goal this afternoon, scored from the penalty spot on 21 minutes by ex Rock Tom Wraight, or the sixth in the last minute from Rocks legendary all time record goalscorer Sam Higgins, who came off the bench to rub salt into his old club's gaping wounds.

In between Hornchurch accrued a hat-trick from Liam Nash (44, 51 and 62 minutes) and Ola Ogunwaminde scored on 83 minutes.

The defeat leaves Rocks marrooned at the bottom of the table, nine points from safety though they do have games in hand on their nearest rivals.

In the Isthmian North, Grays Athletic enhanced their promotion aspirations with a single goal win over Heybridge Swifts at Parkside. They left it relativeley late, with the deciding goal coming with just 14 minutes left from Aron Gordon.

Tilbury's season continues to be troubled and they have just one win, against bottom club Romford, in their last ten league outings.

Today's trip to Bowers to play Hashtag United ended in a 1-0 defeat, the match decided by Joni Vukaj's 56th minute goal.

Tilbury are back in action on Tuesday, when they entertain Bury Town at Chadfields.