GRAYS Athletic secured a 2-1 win over local rivals Tilbury thanks to a last minute penalty from Kieran Bishop.

Jamie Stuart’s side, who begin the campaign as one of the favourites for promotion to the Isthmian Premier League, managed to keep hold of star striker Bishop after finishing as the club’s top goalscorer last term.

And Grays, who dominated proceedings in the first half, went in front at Chadfields seven minutes after the interval as Bishop found the back of the net.

Emiel Aiken equalised for the Dockers six minutes from time and it looked as though the home side had salvaged a point.

But Bishop secured all three points for the visitors as his penalty beat the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Clarke Bogard.

Meanwhile, East Thurrock United made it consecutive away wins in the National League South with a hugely impressive 3-2 win at much-fancied Poole Town.

Rocks fell behind on 30 minutes, after Steve Devlin buried a 20-yard shot past Lukas Lidakevicius.

But East Thurrock were to hit back in style before the break.

Reece Harris levelled three minutes before half-time, with Montel Agyemang putting the visitors ahead two minutes later.

Two minutes after half-time, Poole were on terms through Adbulai Baggie, but Rocks were to have the last laugh.

Agyemang twisted this way and that to restore the away side’s advantage and that was how it stayed.

Elsewhere, Thurrock's first season back in the Isthmian Premier League got off to a losing start as Margate ran out 1-0 winners.

Mark Stimson's side secured promotion from the Isthmian North thanks to a play-off final win over Maldon & Tiptree in April.

But a Frannie Collin goal two minutes after the break consigned Fleet to an opening day defeat.