Both sides appeared to adopt the cautious approach to this match.The result was that most of the game was played out between the two penalty areas as defences held firm.

The first clear chance of the game fell to Aveley after four minutes. Matt Johnson headed on a clearance from defence and Petrit Elbi shot over the bar from the edge of the area. This was shortly followed by a Joao Carlos header from a far post cross by Sam Holloway.

Joel Barnett almost gave Millers the lead on ten minutes. Barnett intercepted a back pass and his angled close range shot hit the post via a deflection off the Abbey keeper’s heel.

Carlos then had another chance, getting a shot on target following a John Maskell cross.

Waltham Abbey, whilst having a good share of possession, could not make it count where it mattered.

Quarter of an hour into the second half, Barnett got a shot on target, the keeper made a comfortable save high to his left.

Abbey then had a strong claims for a penalty turned down. A hard low cross then flashed across the Aveley six-yard box but no forwards were there to apply the final touch.

In the 71st minute Abbey had a goal disallowed for offside.

Aveley: James Marrable, Ryan Doyle, Sam Holloway, Matthew Johnson, John Maskell, Sean Francis, Bradley Barnes (Ben Bradbury 80), Garry Skerritt, Joel Barnett, Petrit Elbi (Sean Thomas 70), Joao Carlos