Aveley 3, Cheshunt 1

Aveley came out with a comfortable victory in the end despite Cheshunt making the hosts work for their win with a troubling first half display for the Millers’.

In the early stages of the first half it did not look good for Aveley as they were under constant threat from the Ambers’ frontline and went close on many occasions.

Ashley Taylor-Forbes worked his way past the Millers’ defence and was through on goal with just James Marrable to beat but saw his shot fortunately enough for the home side come off the post.

Mervin Abraham also went close for the visitors as the former Grays front man caused trouble for the Aveley backline only just seeing his effort saved by Marrable.

But the Millers’ broke away and with a long ball over the top Petrit Elbi was able to beat his man to the ball to round former Miller Jake Whincup and slot into the net to give Aveley a slightly lucky lead going into the half time break.

Rod Stringer’s words at half time must have been stern if he wanted to see his side get all three points and it duly worked as it was a different side that came out for the second half.

Elbi was again involved in goal number two as he managed to get in behind the Ambers’ defence and delicately lobbed the ball over Whincup. His shot struck the post but Ben Bradbury was ready and waiting to pounce and thumped the ball into the net to give the Millers’ a two goal cushion.

Aveley’s best move of the match resulted in the third goal of the afternoon for the home side after good work from Elbi and Nicky Wettner.

Cheshunt continued to battle and believed they had got their side back into the encounter when substitute and recent signing Yohance Lewis slotted in from close range.
But it was not to be for the Ambers and Aveley almost added a fourth through Elbi but his deflected shot came back off the bar.

All in all it is a good start for the Millers’ and despite the early scare came through the match and now go on to face Concord Rangers away on Tuesday night.

Aveley: James Marrable. Ryan Doyle (Glen Golby 79), Sam Holloway, Nicky Wettner (Christian Wheeler 74), John Maskell, Sean Francis, Ben Bradbury, Garry Skeritt, Sean Thomas, Petrit Elbi, Joao Carlos (Bradley Barnes 90 + 5).

Unused Subs: Andy Oxby, Wayne Vaughan.