Aveley 3, Thurrock 2
IT WAS certainly an eventful friendly to say the least as the Millers got a slender victory over near neighbours Thurrock.
Thurrock raced out of the blocks and took a fifth minute lead, via a Matt Bodkin penalty after Cliff Akurang was brought down in the box.
But the lead was not to last long as only two minutes the home side were level.
David Knight’s looping shot came back off the crossbar and winger Abs Thomas was quickest to react to the loose ball and slot home.
Thurrock were then awarded another penalty, somewhat harshly but this time keeper Matt Bennett guessed right and blocked the shot.
And the home side made Thurrock pay after 28 minutes when Thomas turned provider and found Knight free and the striker headed past Denniz Mehmet.
Thurrock had an opportunity before the break but Kenny Clark headed over from only a few yards out.
After the interval it was the home side who made the greater impact and after being awarded a free kick David Knight stepped up and slotted the ball into the top corner leaving Mehmet stranded.
Thurrock earned a way back into the game with just over 20 minutes remaining, Michael Bakare finding the net.
Aveley were then awarded the third penalty of the game after Michael Toner was bundled over but Billy Hunt’s effort was saved by Mehmet.
Aveley: Matt Bennett, Lloyd Anderson, Scott Pethers, Wayne Semanshia, Andy Howells, Steve Springett, Tony Russell, Billy Crowther, Sean Francis, Charlie Reed, Marc Gobel , Darren Quinton, Abs Thomas, Clydie Roberts, Danny Slatter, Frank Curley, Billy Holland, Billy Hunt, David Knight, Ash Hawkins, Liam Coleman, Michael Toner.