Joao Carlos’s late penalty was enough to salvage a draw for the host against Ryman Premier side Heybridge Swifts in what is the Millers last pre-season friendly.

But the first half produced little activity. One of the few chances fell to Joel Barnett, but he shot straight at Swifts keeper Ollie Saunders.

Heybridge came closest to opening the scoring before half time as they put the Aveley back line under pressure but Ellis Remy saw his effort saved on the line by Sean Francis.

The visitors came out the second half and hit the Millers on the break with Neil Cousins producing an fiercesome strike past James Marrable into the net.

After that Millers boss Rod Stringer changed things about bringing on Joao Carlos who proved to be key to unlocking the Heybridge defence.

After an hour his cross was met by Ben Bradbury but he struck just wide of the goal.

Petric Elbi then shot straight at Saunders in what was proving to be a frustrating day at the office for the Millers.

But with four minutes left of the match Carlos sprinted into the box and was brought down to earn the Millers a penalty. He stepped up to take the penalty himself and shot low into the net to earn the Millers a draw on the day.

Aveley: James Marrable, Paul White, Barrie Simmons, Ryan Doyle, Sean Francis, Nicky Wettner, Ben Bradbury, Leon Diaczuk, Joel Barnett, Petrit Elbi, Bradley Barnes.

Subs: Courtney Howard, Christian Wheeler, Sam Holloway, John Bradley, Gary Skeritt, Kye Ruel, Andy Oxby, Wayne Vaughan, Des Gallen, Joao Carlos