Aveley 0, Grays Athletic 2
A goal in either half proved good enough for Grays to defeat near neighbours Aveley.
Aveley looked the better passing side in the first half but struggled to challenge Preston Edwards in the Grays goal.
Sam Cutler had the first real opening for Grays and although his effort beat Ronnie Worster it struck the post and the rebound was poked goal wards by an off side Charlie Taylor.
But they eventually took the lead when a cross from the left was headed in by Gavin Hoyte despite Ronnie Worster getting a hand to it and Michael Alaile’s last gasp effort on the line.
Aveley looked brighter after the break, and went close through Neil Richmond after he held off several defenders but Edwards was on hand to push it out to Piers Wixon but the keeper was back on his feet and easily held his effort.
But it was the Blue Square Premier visitors that doubled their lead, with a spectacular long range effort from Tommy Black beating the outstretched hand of Worster.
Then the usual changes kicked in and play was generally restricted to the middle of the park.
Junior Dadson created another opportunity as he weaved his way past the Grays defence, coming in from the left but his shot just missed the target with Edwards scrambling to his near post.
Aveley: Ronnie Worster, Ryan Doyle, Sam Holloway, Matt Johnson (Garry Skerritt 70),Richard Ketchell (Paul Kier 74), Michael Alaile, Mitch Hahn (Petrit Elbi 61), Nicky Symonds (Gareth Street 74), Neil Richmond (Rob Edmonds 70), Piers Wixon (Ellie Kayembe 76), Junior Dadson (Victor Omogbehin 74).
Subs Unused: James Marrable (gk)