EAST Thurrock United got their first ever victory in the National League South as they claimed all three points at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Both promoted from the Ryman Premier League last year, this was always going to be a tight encounter and it was a defensive lapse that resulted in the winner as Michael Clark poked home inside the final 11 minutes.

Rocks were looking to build on an excellent showing at Hemel Hempstead Town in the week, in which they came away from their first ever away match in the National League South with a point.

And they started well, while Hampton looked a threat when they were on the attack.

John Coventry’s side were dealt an early blow when captain Lee Burns, already vice-captain in the absence of Sam Higgins, was forced off through injury after just nine minutes.

Hampton were pushing the tempo with some impressive attacking intent from Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick, while Leon Solomon pulled an effort wide.

George Craddock saw a tame free-kick saved but it was Hampton looking more likely, albeit without Lukas Lidakevicius forced into any meaningful saves.

Veteran Ben Wood came on for his first appearance of the season at the start of the second-half and within a minute Rocks were ahead.

A foul in the box saw the visitors awarded a penalty. Tom Wraight had missed on the opening day but Ben Marlow made no mistake from 12 yards.

Rocks looked transformed, but that lead wasn’t to last as Jamal Lowe blasted home a leveller just 10 minutes later, beating Lidakevicius one-on-one.

But with 10 minutes to go, Rocks were back ahead. Clark profited from some wretched defending from a corner to prod home a Joe Ellul shot.

Rocks had chances to extend their lead but held out for an excellent three points.

In the Ryman Premier League, Jamie Stuart’s reign as Grays Athletic manager started well enough as Blues came back from a tricky trip to Leatherhead with a point.

Grays had an entirely different starting XI to the side that ended last season but they gave a good account of themselves.

Goalless at the break, the Tanners went ahead just three minutes into the second-half as Tomi Adeloye guided an effort into the corner.

But Grays were not giving up and, with 20 minutes remaining, L’heureux Menga netted to ensure a share of the points.

In the Ryman North, Aveley were the day’s big winners as they beat Ware 5-2 to end the day as league leaders.

A brace apiece for substitute Michael Pindy and Emmanuel Ighorae, plus a strike from Olu Olliwatimilehain ensured the points for Justin Gardner’s team.

The Millers had taken the lead inside 10 minutes, as Olliwatimilehain turned well and saw his strike deflected into the corner.

Ware equalised quickly through Brian Haule and 10 minutes later Aveley found themselves behind as the same man turned the match on its head.

But a moment of magic from Ighorae put the Milers on level terms as he volleyed a sublime effort into the net to make it 2-2 at half-time.

The match wasn’t won until the final 15 minutes, as first Pindy, who chipped to score, then Ighorae, who smashed home, and then Pindy once more, with a tap in, completed an excellent day’s work.

Thurrock, one of the division’s favourites, had to come from behind to earn a share of the points in their match against neighbours Tilbury.

The Dockers had led at the break, with Toby Aromolaran scoring the first goal on the 30 minute mark.

Ten minutes into the second period, Fleet had drawn parity, with Ronnie Winn on target.

And 1-1 was how it stayed.