Gordon Bartlett eased some of the pressure around Grosvenor Vale as his Wealdstone side ran out 1-0 winners over in-form East Thurrock on Saturday.

There have been murmers of discontent in north London after a string of poor performances in recent weeks, but after a midweek FA Trophy win over Maidenhead United, the Stones followed up that victory with their first league triumph since November 5.

Debutant Nick Freeman, a loan signing from Wycombe last Friday, was straight into the thick of the action on the right wing and played his part in an entertaining victory.

Fellow loanee Liam Goulding's scuffed effort proved the winner with 15 minutes to go, and lifts Bartlett's side back within nine points of the play-offs.

They began brightly in north London with Matty Whichelow and Johnny Wright causing problems for the Rocks' defence early on.

The visitors had been unbeaten in their previous nine National League South games, but found themselves up against it early on, before slowly getting back into the game.

Even then, Elliot Benyon had two good chances to score in quick succession but they both landed off target.

Thurrock's first test of the home defence almost led to an opener, but Ryheem Sheckleford cleared Reece Harris' effort off the line.

Freeman came close to an opener just after the break, but struck just wide, before Danny Green's fierce effort was held by Lukas Lidakevicius.

Chances were at somewhat of a premium as the half wore on until Goulding's opener with 15 minutes remaining, when his mis-hit effort deceived Lidakevicius and ended in the back of the net.

Thurrock rallied in the final stages, but could not find an equaliser as the hosts moved back into the top 10.

Wealdstone: North, Sheckleford, Urquhart, Goulding, Oshodi, Hunt, Freeman, Godfrey (Cox 68), Benyon, Wright (McGleish 65), Whichelow (Green 23).

Subs not used: Wellard, Koroma.