GRAYS Athletic were walloped 5-1 by Needham Market as their troubling start to the Ryman Premier League season continued.

Grays fell behind after 11 minutes, as Max Booth found the corner impressively.

Blues were handing debuts to several players as they looked to build on their difficult start, although Needham were pressing.

It wasn’t until eight minutes into the second-half that Needham pulled away, with Jack Curtis scoring.

Manny Osei added a third in the final 17 minutes and Reece Dobson a fourth and fifth in the closing exchanges to complete a miserable night.

Grays pulled a goal back through Joel Appiah-Kubi but it was to end 5-1.

Thurrock travelled over the Dartford Bridge to take on VCD Athletic and they fell to defeat although they started the brighter of the two teams.

Ross Wall put Fleet ahead on 27 minutes, but they were pegged back on the stroke of half-time.

Former Great Wakering and East Thurrock striker Kris Newby got the goal to send the sides in level at the break.

But on the hour mark Connor Hogan turned the game on its head to put VCD in front for the first time.

Harry Cook was sent off with two minutes remaining and it ended 2-1.

Tilbury headed to Cheshunt for what was sure to be a tough encounter and it ended goalless, with the Dockers earning a good point.