BY DANNY RUST

LATE goals in the Ryman North worked in Thurrock and Tilbury’s favour, while Aveley were lucky to escape with a point after conceding a late penalty.

Mark Stimson’s Thurrock travelled to Witham Town looking to keep the pressure on table toppers Maldon & Tiptree, but it looked as though Fleet were going to lose ground on Kevin Horlock’s side as Witham were two goals to the good going into the final stages.

But late goals saw Thurrock claim a point and retain their place in the top two.

The hosts took the lead on the stroke of half time through Ozzy Adeniji, before Tim Monsheju doubled Witham’s lead just past the hour mark.

But goals from Harry Cook and Charlie Stimson, in the 89th and 90th minute respectively, resulted in Thurrock returning to Ship Lane with a point, and means Fleet are still unbeaten in the league since mid-November.

Despite dominating for large periods of their clash at Heybridge Swifts, Aveley nearly left Scraley Road Stadium with nothing to show for their efforts.

The Millers took an early lead as Adalberto Pinto latched onto a Dan Odamo knockdown to tap home.

Pinto should have notched his second of the afternoon as he met a Billy Coyne corner, but his shot went over the crossbar from only a few yards out.

Heybridge Swifts attacker Nicholas Brown went agonisingly close as he sent a second half free kick against the inside of Aveley’s post, but the home side’s late pressure told as Philip Anderson levelled the scores with just four minutes left to play.

And it looked as though the Millers would be leaving Heybridge empty handed as Aveley goalkeeper Lamar Johnson conceded a penalty in stoppage time.

But Ade Yusuff sent his late spot kick wide and, despite their dominance, Aveley were pleased to return with a point.

Tilbury striker Jack Barham scored a hat-trick, including a last minute strike, to win all three points for the Dockers at Wroxham.

Barham gave Tilbury a first half lead but Ross Gilfedder found Wroxham’s equaliser just four minutes later.

The hosts went in front through Tom Rampling with less than 20 minutes left to play but the Dockers found a quickfire equaliser thanks to Barham.

The striker then completed his hat-trick in the final minute to secure all three points and keep Tilbury in touching distance of the play-off places.