Terry Spillane admitted that it was a poor performance from his side, and it was indeed a very unlike way for one of the Millers' bosses sides to lose, with three headed goals the difference at Parkside on the day. With two crosses and a long throw-in all met by headers which were all converted on our first competitive game at Parkside.

The Millers had the first chance of the game which was a 25-yard free-kick which saw centre half Tommy Spillane curl over after Jake Gordon was bundled to the floor.

Jake Gordon was the first Aveley player to receive a yellow card after he came in late and made just enough contact to be awarded the booking.

Millers new front-man Gordon had a half chance on the edge of the area, but he couldn't get a-hold of his left footed shot towards goal and it was comfortable for Bowers & Pitsea goalkeeper Callum Chafer.

Aveley continued to press and grind out half chances, the ball set up nicely for Christy O'Donoghue on the edge of the area, but his goalbound effort was blocked wellby Bowers centre half. Just before the half-time break, Tommy Spillane had an excellent chance inside the Bowers penalty area, but he skied his difficult chance from close range which kept the scores level at the break.

Half Time | Aveley 0-0 Bowers & Pitsea.

Fahad Nyanja scored the opener which was followed by a brace from Lewis Manor resulting in the visitors collecting all three points on the opening day of the Isthmian North season, while Jordan Peart got on the scoresheet for the hosts all in the second half.

It was the first chance of the second half, and Bowers' first real opportunity of the game. Jamie Thomas crossed into the penalty area which found Fahad Nyanja, who headed home from close range at the back post.

And 10 minutes later, Bowers doubled their lead. Tony Stokes, who signed from fellow Essex side Concord Rangers, crossed into the penalty area and found Lewis Manor who directed his header into corner of the net.

Just four minutes after going two goals down, the Millers halved Bowers lead. New Aveley captain Jack Barry pulled back to Jordan Peart, who on his right foot smashed the ball past Chafer.

However, Lewis Manor made the three points safe for the visitors with nine minutes to play. The striker angled Lewis Clark’s long throw into the far corner, sealing all three points for the visitors.

Full Time | Aveley 1-3 Bowers & Pitsea.

Millers XI | Rhys Madden, Harry Gibbs, George Woodward, Tommy Spillane, Jack Barry (C), Adalberto Pinto, Jake Gordon (Paul Preston 45), Ross Gleed (Max Mitchell 62), Jack West (Adam Bolle 62), Christy O'Donoghue, Jordan Peart.

Unused Subs | Phil Lowen, Mark Twumasi.

Bowers & Pitsea XI | Callum Chafer, Tom Hine, Fahad Nyanja, Martyn Stokes (C), Lewis Clark, Callum Leahy, James Thomas, Jamie Salmon, Lewis Manor, Ben Sartain, Tony Stokes.

Unused Subs | Vlad Sighiartau.