AVELEY and Thurrock continue to show they are play-off contenders as they recorded narrow victories in the Ryman North.

The Millers were 2-1 winners against Brentwood Town, with Jeremiah Maja continuing his excellent run of form in front of goal as he netted the winner.

Tenede Adewunmi put the away side ahead after just six minutes, finishing excellently into the corner after good build-up from Adalberto Pinto.

Lamar Johnson in the away goal was first called into action after 12 minutes, keeping out Charlie Georgiou, and he excelled throughout.

Maja shot over before he did open his account. Once again, he was played through on goal and he finished well into the corner.

Brentwood cranked up the pressure and got a goal back five minutes before half-time.

Matt Hall made sure from the penalty spot after a foul by Harry Gibbs on Georgiou.

Town cranked up the pressure after the break but were met by an inspired Johnson.

He denied Andy Greenslade brilliantly to preserve Aveley’s lead.

Maja, Nick Skelton and Pinto all came close for Aveley, with the former striking the post.

And Aveley ran out winners in the end.

A solitary goal from Mark Onyemah was enough for Thurrock as they overcame a battling Waltham Abbey.

There was not a lot between the sides early on, with Abbey showing they are more than up for the fight as they look to drag themselves away from the bottom six.

Fleet came close with several opportunities but it wasn’t until 70 minutes that the deadlock was broken.

Onyemah powered home to hand Thurrock the points and lift them into the top four.

Tilbury’s play-off charge was stunted somewhat by a narrow 2-1 defeat to top five rivals Brightlingsea Regent.

Regent took the lead after 24 minutes, with Robbie Rees doing brilliantly to fire beyond Lee Butcher in the home goal.

But Joe Nightingill drew Tilbury level 10 minutes later, finishing smartly.

Level at the break, both sides exchanged opportunities in the second-half but the decisive moment came just five minutes into the half.

Russell Malton scored the winner to lift Regent to second and leave Tilbury in eighth.