Eastbourne Borough Garry Wilson has praised the loyalty of veteran defender Darren Baker.

Baker made his 750th appearance to help Borough stay top with a 1-0 victory against Thurrock at Priory Lane.

Wilson said: "It is a fantastic achievement in a day where non-league players often play for a number of clubs."

Fit-again Allan Tait, preferred to Scott Ramsay in attack, netted the winner as Borough kept one point ahead of Lewes. Wilson insisted Ramsay accepted his place on the bench with good grace.

He said: "We have competition for places and Scott understands that."

Borough: Hook, Baker, Jenkins, Smart, Austin, Pullan, Lovett, Armstrong, Tait (Ramsay), Atkin (N Crabb), M Crabb (Harding). Unused subs: Budd, Lightwood.