AVELEY knocked out Ryman Premier League side Billericay Town in the League Cup in a night of mixed fortunes for Thurrock’s sides in league and cup.

Jay Leader scored a controversial winner for Millers in the second half, after the defender’s volley was ruled out for offside by the linesman, with the referee overruling his assistant’s decision.

Aveley had equalised through Aaron Gayle after James Robinson had given Billericay the lead in the first half.

Aveley will travel to either Romford or Grays Athletic, who play tonight, for their fourth round tie.

Thurrock FC crashed out in the fourth round of the Essex Senior Cup, losing 2-1 to rivals Ryman North Division rivals Witham Town. Fleet had taken the lead in the match through Rob Clark but goals from Brad Stopher and a late penalty from Tom Wraight put Witham through to the Quarter Finals.

East Thurrock took their cup form into the league against Met Police in the Ryman Premier League.

Jason Hallett scored the winning goal in injury time at the end of the first half, seconds after Howard Newton had equalised for Met Police.

Rocks had taken an early lead through a fourth minute penalty from Tom Stephen and the result takes East Thurrock above their opponents in the division and away from the drop zone.

The other side in league action was Tilbury, who came unstuck against Needham Market, after letting two late goals in from a winning position.

The home side took an early lead through Jamie Guy but were undone by two goals just after the break. An own goal from Lee Townrow and a goal five minutes later from Donovan Simmonds had put Dockers in a strong position but the three points were snatched away in the final moments.

Townrow made up for his mistake to net an 86th minute equaliser and the home side scored again through Jamie Guy less than a minute later.