Despite trailing early away to Southern Central Premier League side AFC Sudbury, Aveley fought back in the second half, with goals from Jaden Brissett and Alejandro Machado sending us through to the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

The game couldn’t have started worse—just two minutes in, Kyran Clements found the back of the net after some clever work from Iffy Allen. Allen broke through the Aveley backline, his cross was too much to handle as the ball landed to Clements who had the simple chance to tap home from close range. AFC Sudbury 1–0 Aveley.

We responded brilliantly, putting Sudbury under immense pressure with a flurry of corners and set-pieces into the hosts’ box. Their goalkeeper, Garnham, kept them in front with a string of impressive saves. George Saunders and Suley Zuhdu both forced instinctive stops, and just three minutes before the break, an effort smacked the crossbar and bounced on the line—ready to be tapped in—only for Sudbury to scramble it clear.

Just before half-time, the hosts had a golden chance to double their lead. Gilbert rounded Joe Wright, but the Aveley keeper forced him wide enough to prevent a clean strike. Gipson was perfectly positioned to block the shot on the line with his chest.

Half-time: AFC Sudbury 1–0 Aveley.

The Millers stepped it up after the break, dominating possession and creating more chances. Ollie Peters, eager to score against his former side, broke through and found George Saunders, whose shot was deflected just wide.

Zuhdu fired another effort on goal, but Garnham tipped it wide for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Ryan Henshaw’s header rattled the Sudbury crossbar—another let-off for the hosts.

Manager Brett Munyard made a double change, bringing on Jaden Brissett and Jayden Robinson. Brissett made an instant impact, scoring with his first touch. George Saunders played a brilliant through ball to Jaden who took the ball in stride and fired past Garnham within seconds of stepping onto the pitch. AFC Sudbury 1–1 Aveley.

Aveley pushed for a winner. Brissett pounced on a defensive mix-up and delivered a dangerous ball across goal, but no one in an Aveley shirt could connect. Moments later, Zuhdu turned and shot just wide of the right-hand post.

Rowan Liburd came off the bench and nearly made an immediate impact, setting up Machado, but Garnham again produced a superb save. Two minutes from time, Brissett fired from close range, only to be denied once more by the Sudbury keeper.

Late Drama: As time ticked away, Aveley were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute of added time. Brissett stepped up, and although Garnham guessed correctly and made the save, the rebound fell to Alejandro Machado, who reacted quickest to slot home and seal the win.

Final Score: AFC Sudbury 1–2 Aveley. Aveley advance to the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round—for the tenth time in 45 years.