EAST Thurrock United cemented their place at the top of the table with a comfortable victory over basement boys Waltham Forest.

Forest – still reeling from the departure of manager Tony Mercer over the festive period – were put on the back foot from kick-off.

John Coventry’s feared Rocks outfit showed little sign of being sluggish after the ice-enforced lay-off. And the hosts were two up within 30 minutes, courtesy of a Steve Sheehan header and Neil Richmond’s close-range finish.

Kris Newby added a third from the penalty spot on 56 minutes, after Reiss Gilbey had been tripped in the box.

Junior Luke pulled one back for Forest with 15 minutes to go, but Richmond completed his brace and sealed the win in the 83rd minute with another predatory finish.

The win left Rocks seven points clear of second-placed Wingate & Finchley, who lost 4-2 at home to Potters Bar Town, and eight points ahead of third-placed Needham Market, who drew 2-2 at Maldon & Tiptree.