BILLERICAY Town dropped out of the National League South play-off places after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Hampton & Richmond Borough at the AGP Arena.

Billericay made a bright start as Jack Paxman’s long range drive clattered against the post with Hampton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer well beaten.

However, the visitors took the lead with just eight minutes on the clock as Ruel Sotiriou converted from the penalty spot.

And matters got worse for Harry Wheeler’s side four minutes later as Rian Bray doubled Hampton’s advantage moments after Billericay defender Joe Kizzi had seen a headed goal ruled out by referee Chris O’Donnell.

The home side came close to halving the deficit on the stroke of half-time as Danny Waldren’s deflected strike was tipped around the post by Maynard-Brewer.

Substitute Alfie Potter fired over the crossbar with the goal gaping, but Billericay gave themselves hope as Moses Emmanuel converted with 69 minutes played.

But Hampton wrapped up all three points late on through Zak Joseph as Waldren donned the gloves after goalkeeper Alan Julian saw red.

East Thurrock United’s hopes of avoiding the drop were not helped by a 3-0 defeat at Wealdstone.

Rocks made the worst possible start as Danny Green gave Wealdstone the lead inside the opening minute of the National League South encounter.

Green completed his brace moments before the hour mark to put the Stones in control.

Simon Mensah added his name to the scoresheet 20 minutes before time to put the game out of sight.

Meanwhile, Great Wakering Rovers ensured Isthmian North safety by sealing a 3-0 win at Mildenhall Town.

Wakering raced ahead as Shomari Barnwell found the back of the net with 17 minutes on the clock.

Barnwell doubled his tally for the afternoon soon after the hour mark to give Wakering a two-goal cushion.

Steve Butterworth’s side were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes to play as Marc Gorbell picked up a second yellow card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barnwell was still able to seal his hat-trick late on.

Canvey Island suffered a 1-0 defeat to Felixstowe & Walton United at the Frost Hire Stadium.

The Gulls made a bright start, with Kane Gilbert and Frankie Merrifield going close inside the opening 10 minutes.

Despite dominating the first half, Felixstowe took the lead in the first minute of injury time as Liam Hillyard beat Zack Littlejohn before firing home.

And Mark Bentley’s side were unable to find a leveller.

Basildon United were condemned to a 1-0 defeat by Maldon & Tiptree.

Isthmian North high-flyers Maldon went ahead through Liam Hope nine minutes into the second half.

And John Sussex’s Bees were unable to steal a share of the spoils.