In a highly entertaining game the Millers edged out Canvey Island and book their spot in the semi-final of the Essex Senior Cup with a 3-2 win at Park Lane.
Charlton Athletic loanee Tamer Tuna will definitely get the headlines for his stunning hat-trick, but manager Carl Griffiths was just pleased with the improvement and admits it gives his management team a selection dilemma for Saturday’s trip to promotion contenders Sutton United.
With five players either cup tied or suspended Griffiths decide to opt for a four-four-two formation with Tuna partnering Sherwin Stanley up front, and it reaped the benefits as they looked threatening for the majority, and although the Millers boss was forced into it through the unavailability's was delighted with the promising start for the partnership.
In torrential rain for almost the entirety of the match, both sides played their part in a highly entertaining game, which probably should have been decided on penalties with little to separate either side, with a crucial decision turning it in the Millers fortunes.
But it was the Gulls enjoyed the more threatening start with Jay Curran firing just over the bar.
A neat interchange from Stanley and Tuna played in Abs Thompson and his shot was forced behind for a corner.
But it remained goalless at the break despite efforts from Orlando Smith and Tuna.
Aveley edged in front on 62 minutes as Stanley played the ball through to Tuna and with his first touch shot straight past James Russell and in off the post.
A rare mistake from keeper Dave McCartney in the treacherous conditions saw him let slip a weak Danny Heale effort and the strikers effort rolled into the back of the net for the equaliser.
Both sides had their chances in the second half, but extra time was required to sort out a winner.
And it was Tuna who produced a fine finish just two minutes into it to give the Millers the lead once more.
Receiving the ball just outside he turned and curled his shot past the despairing dive of Russell into the corner of the net for a sublime finish.
However it did not last long as within a minute Canvey were level as a mix up at the back saw the ball fall to Curran and he had the simple task of firing home.
Chances came and went for both sides as they both went in search for the winner and on numerous occasions went close, namely Danny Heale looked to have converted when one-on-one with McCartney but somehow it went wide, and Russell was equal to Kenny Beaney’s effort.
Thompson pushed forward one last time and he was bundled over, with the referee and linesman in discussion as to whether it was inside or outside of the area, but they opted to award a penalty, and no one was going to stop Tuna from taking it.
And he coolly slotted it past Russell and ensured the Millers path into the last four.
Dave McCartney, Ryan Andrews, Charlie Read, Ugo Udoji, Spencer Harrison, Andy Howell, Abs Thompson, Kenny Beaney, Tamer Tuna, Sherwin Stanley, Orlando Smith.
Subs not used: Tony Russell, Sean Francis, Tommy Cummings.