It was the first away game of the season last year and it was on a Tuesday Night, so thankfully it’s on a Saturday this season, but the Millers will be hoping for a different result compared to the heart break suffered last time, losing in the last kick of the game.

Dereham started the strongest, but James Marrable did well to deny the Magpies with some smart saves.

Millers looked dangerous from throw-ins early on into the box from Sendall and Coyne, but unfortunately those throw-ins didn’t really come to anything.

Dereham eased their control of the match from the 25th minute on but good defending from Harrison and another super save from Marrable kept Dereham at bay for now.

On the stroke of half time the deadlock was broken and unfortunately it was the hosts who scored it. After a nice interchange of passing down the left hand side between; Roberts and Smith, Smith crossed into the box and it was met by Borege on the volley into the back of the net. (0-1).

Half Time- Dereham Town 1-0 Aveley FC.

The Magpies came out on top and should’ve added to their lead, but misses in front of goal cost them their lead.

On the 55th minute the Millers were awarded a penalty for handball. Lee Weemes stepped up to take it and saw it saved, but Sammy Knott followed in to finish past the Dereham keeper. (1-1).

From then on it looked like Aveley were the team who would go on to get the three points, but the match then turned again. Millers right back Bakare was sent off for a head-butt and Aveley were now up against it.

Millers stood strong and had a chance to win it late on themselves, Aaron Gayle crossed it into Francis who was unmarked but dragged his shot wide from close range.

Three minutes into the four added on Dereham got themselves a free kick after a foul by Teddy Nesbitt. Adam Smith fired it towards goal, it skimmed off of Brian Okwera which deceived Marrable and found the back of the net. (1-2).

Full Time – Dereham Town 2-1 Aveley FC (Borege 44, Smith 90+3- Knott 56)

Millers XI | James Marrable, Billy Coyne, Sammy Knott, Junior Baker, Spencer Harrison, Billy Sendall (Teddy Nesbitt), Brian Okwera, Danny Hopkins, Lee Weemes (Aaron Gayle), Mathias Bakare, Marcus Elliott (Daniel Francis).

Unused Subs | Jack Sawyer, Perry Tamburrini