We've had terrific support at the Reserve friendly games and we have had some superb results and performances, seeing reserve team players, along with many Aveley Youth players playing in the Reserves too and making a brilliant impact.

Tonight (Friday 17th) we open our Essex Senior Reserve League campaign against Hullbridge.

Before the game tonight we caught up with Aveley Reserve Manager George Christou. "Preparation wise we actually have five on holiday, so not ideal! So the last couple of weeks we have been even more eager to give Academy and Under 18 players a chance to make the step up and we have been really impressed with the outcomes.

Some of these lads are at the ages of 16 and 17 and have showed some real talent during pre-season.

We've had a good pre-season, we played Bowers & Pitsea and Broxbourne Borough's Under 23's as well as Southend Manor and Saffron Walden Town Reserves. All four games gave us totally different challenges and we were extremely please with playing Saffron Walden on the Friday and then Southend Manor on the next monring, where a lot of the 18s made the step up and looked comfortable.

The Aveley Reserves Pre-Season games have been attended really well by by the faithful Millers and it's recognised by all at Aveley FC.

George went on to say: "The Aveley fans have been wonderful on the Friday nights and made us feel really welcome from the get go. I think it's an exciting time for all involved at the club and it's our job to get some of these young men ready for selection if needed for the First team in the coming weeks/months."

Friday 17th Aug: Aveley v HullBridge
Competition: Essex Senior Reserve League | Fixture 1
Admission: Adults £3 | U16s £1
Location: Parkside, RM15 4PX
Kick Off: 7.45PM