Aveley 1 Leyton 1
BY COLIN MUNFORD
A lacklustre Aveley paid the price for being off form with a determined Leyton taking a share of the spoils.
Aveley started brightly and took the lead within a minute but that was as good as it got for the home side who were rather fortunate to hold on for the draw.
The Millers’ got off to a flyer in the opening minute when the ball fell to Matt Johnson just inside the area whose left footed shot beat keeper Sam Tanner at his near post.
But instead of that being the foundation to build on, it proved to be one that backfired and despite many chances they failed to make the most of them and they ultimately paid the price.
Joe Sweeney earned a place in the starting XI after last week’s winner, and he could have added to his Millers’ tally on numerous occasions.
But after Junior Dadson’s cross was flicked on to him by Ryan Doyle his shot came back off the underside of the bar and hacked clear by the resolute Leyton backline.
And Sweeney had another golden opportunity minutes later but he spurned the opportunity, firing the effort wide of goal.
Leyton had certainly come with a game plan to sit back and attack on the break, and with a little bit of luck they nearly found a leveller.
A run-of-the mill clearance by James Marrable came off the back of Shaun Lee and fortunately for the home side it came back off of the bar.
Marrable was forced into action minutes later as he forced Michael Bakare’s shot behind for a corner.
Leyton were proving tough for the Millers’ to break down and at almost every occasion, thwarted Aveley’s attempts, winning many of the 50/50’s in the middle of the park.
Any chance for the Millers to extend their advantage looked to come from the many dead ball situations they earned.
And it was the closest they were to come to extending their lead when Ryan Doyle’s free kick managed to find the bar, which was the second time it came to the rescue of Leyton.
The Millers’ luck was summed up in the final minute of the half when Garry Skerritt lobbed the ball over the Leyton defence and into Sweeney’s path but he blazed over when well placed.
The half time interval did not do much to help the home side, as with the first chance of the half Leyton drew level.
Marvin Hamilton’s cross in from the left looked set to be gathered by Marrable but after some confusion he left the ball for Robert Carter to tap home.
This sparked the visitors and on several occasions they went close to taking the lead and only last ditch tackles from Glen Golby and Ryan Doyle prevented Leyton going close.
But it was the Millers’ who spurned the best opportunity for either side to take the win.
Johnson’s chipped free kick found Elbi unmarked in a packed 18-yard box but the striker’s header evaded the goal to everyone’s amazement.
And with time ticking it was Leyton who had a golden chance to take the points late on as they broke away but late substitute Fabio Jesus with only Marrable to beat struck wide.
Aveley will be happy to get away with this, and with results in their favour they still found themselves top of the table, and they will be hoping to get back to winning ways next Saturday as they travel to Thamesmead Town.
Aveley: James Marrable, Christian Wheeler, Sam Holloway, Garry Skerritt, Ryan Doyle, Glen Golby, Junior Dadson, Matthew Johnson, Petrit Elbi, Joe Sweeney (Sean Thomas 72), Joao Carlos.
Subs not used: Paul White, John Maskell, Wayne Vaughan.

Match Stats
GOAL ATTEMPTS ON TARGET : Aveley 6; Leyton 2
GOAL ATTEMPTS OFF TARGET : Aveley 11; Leyton 4
FREE KICKS CONCEDED : Aveley 6; Leyton 9
OFFSIDE : Aveley 3; Leyton 1
CORNERS : Aveley 8; Leyton 6