THERE was opening day disappointment for East Thurrock United who went down to a home defeat in the Isthmian North, while fellow borough side Grays Athletic will have taken positives from a goalless draw at Coggeshall.

Grays spent much of the match, that became fractious at times, on the front foot and looked the more likely to score but they were unable to breach the home defence.

East Thurrock found themselves hampered at Rookery Hill when Jack McQueen picked up the second of two yellow cards after just 21 minutes, leaving Rocks' ten men with an uphill struggle.

However, it was the home side that took the lead just five minutes after McQueen's departure - Darnell Kithambo marking his Rocks competitive debut with the opener.

But the lead lasted just 12 minutes and by the break Sudbury were level through Joshua Pollard.

Joshua Stokes then added a second eight minutes into the second half and the game was as good as over when Stokes doubled his tally just before the hour.

The Suffolk side added a fourth on 78 minutes through Lionel Ainsworth but at least the home fans in a crowd of 214 had the consolation of seeing a last-minute goal from substitute Amaree Robinson-Jones.

East Thurrock will be hoping for better things on Monday evening when they make the short trip to Bowers to take on Hashtag United. Grays are back in action on Wednesday evening at Parkside, where Maldon & Tiptree will be the visitors.