East Thurrock 1 Romford 0 A 54th-minute penalty from Kris Newby kept Rocks on top of the division.

The hosts generally dominated against last season’s Essex Senior League champions with Ryan Sammons, Newby and Ben Boyce linking well down the left.

Sammons and Martin Llewellyn both forced Neil Finn in the visiting goal to fine saves.

Jimmy Noakes fired wide when well-placed for Romford, but the visitors were put on the spot when Rocks beat their offside trap and Finn brought down Kye Ruel in the box.

Finn escaped a red card, but was beaten by Newby’s penalty.

Ex-Canvey Island and Chelmsford City man Chris Duffy hit the post late on.