TOM Derry claimed a brace of goals as East Thurrock United and Dartford recorded a 2-2 draw.

Both sides finished the National League South encounter with 10 men, while substitute Derry moved Rocks a point closer to safety.

However, a goal with 16 minutes remaining at Rookery Hill stopped John Coventry’s side claiming a fifth victory of the campaign.

Ibrahim Sori-Diallo tested Dartford’s former Concord Rangers loanee Bailey Vose as Rocks made an encouraging start, but the Darts took a seventh minute lead.

Charlie Sheringham - the son of former England international striker Teddy - headed home from close range to break the deadlock.

Derry replaced Harry Lee as Coventry was forced into a change on the half hour mark.

And Derry made an instant impact as he restored parity just three minutes after coming off the bench.

Dartford joint-manager Jamie Coyle was then sent off, leaving ex-Concord boss Adam Flanagan leading the way from the sidelines.

Lee Noble was sent off moments later, leaving Dartford a man down on the pitch and in the dugout.

East Thurrock made the numerical advantage count as they turned the game on its head two minutes before half-time.

Derry continued to cause havoc and completed his brace just 13 minutes after being introduced to the action.

Vose denied Derry a hat-trick soon after the break, while Sheringham rounded Rocks goalkeeper Jack Giddens only to see his centre not turned home.

Dartford got back on level terms after 74 minutes as Elliot Bradbrook diverted a cross into the back of the net.

East Thurrock rattled the woodwork as they went in search of a late winner, but Danny Harris was given his marching orders in the dying moments after picking up his second yellow card and neither side could claim all three points.

East Thurrock United: Giddens, Nzengo, Sori-Diallo, Lee (Derry 30), Hayles, Sheehan, Prestedge, Scott, Higgins, Osborn, Harris