Hastings United's hopes of retaining their top-flight status were dealt a severe blow when they lost 2-1 away to fellow strugglers East Thurrock.

Manager Tony Dolby brought back central defender Rhys Whyborne after a one-match suspension and also had striker Ade Olorunda available following a bout of food poisoning.

Neither side showed any great ability during a poor first half but the hosts managed to take the lead in the eighth minute when poor marking left Max Cornhill to head home from a free-kick.

For Hastings Sam Adams had a shot saved and Ade Olorunda found the net from the resultant corner but the effort was ruled out for pushing.

With United making little headway they made two changes five minutes before the break, Danny Leach and Matt Maclean replacing Antonio Gonnella and Nathan Simpson.

There was little improvement at the start of the second half but with 16 minutes remaining the scores were level.

Lee Carey struck a free-kick from 25 yards out which deceived home keeper Shayne Gore.

For a while Hastings gained the upper hand but they were eventually caught out in the sixth minute of added time.

Another free-kick from Carey on the edge of the Thurrock penalty area resulted in a quick breakaway and after a scramble in the six-yard box Cornhill fired home the winner.

There was no time left for Hastings to respond and with Wealdstone also winning they find themselves one place off the foot of the table with games running