EAST Thurrock United’s hopes of avoiding relegation from the National League South suffered a setback after a 3-0 defeat at Wealdstone.

A Danny Green brace, along with Simon Mensah’s effort, allowed the play-off chasing Stones to sweep Rocks aside.

Wealdstone went ahead inside the opening minute after a goalkeeping error from Jack Giddens, but East Thurrock boss John Coventry refused to blame the custodian for the loss.

Coventry said: “We went there with a gameplan but that was all undone after 15 seconds when we conceded.

“It was a massive error from Gidds, but he has been fantastic this season and no-one is looking to put any of the blame on him.

“We played alright and I’ve got no complaints about the workrate or application of the players.

“It was the story of our season and their first goal came after Gidds dropped the shot and it trickled over the line.

“But he has been brilliant for us and I know he was disappointed and upset.

“If we tallied the amount of mistakes the players have made this season then Gidds would be near the bottom of the list.”

Rocks got off to the worst possible start as former Dagenham & Redbridge winger Green’s speculative effort slipped through Giddens’ hands and broke the deadlock inside 15 seconds.

East Thurrock responded with Sam Higgins testing Wealdstone goalkeeper Jonathan North.

But the hosts doubled their advantage close to the hour mark as Jeffrey Monakana found Green to complete his brace.

Substitute Mensah rounded off the scoring from close range with 20 minutes remaining.