A DOUBLE from Sherwin Stanley along with Sam Higgins’ second half header sealed a deserved Brentwood victory over a below par Aveley.
Brentwood dominated from the off and the result never really looked in any doubt.
Stanley, the league’s second top marksman added to his tally just after the quarter hour mark when he was put through by Higgins, and had enough time and space in the Millers’ box to squeeze his shot past keeper James Marrable.
Aveley looked short of ideas going forward, with the long ball continually being dealt with by the Brentwood defence.
And the Millers’ were made to pay as Brentwood doubled their lead just before the break.
Stanley was able the time to turn and shoot unmarked in the Aveley box, and although he did not connect fully with the ball it managed to creep in past Marrable’s near post.
Millers’ boss Rod Stringer must have harsh words at half time, and the team’s response was almost immediate.
Sam Holloway’s deep free kick saw Neil Richmond rise highest above the challenge of Town keeper Billy McMahon and head in to give Aveley a glimmer of hope.
But that hope was short lived as Brentwood restored their two-goal cushion after the hour.
Stanley this time turned provider as he managed to nick the ball of off Ryan Doyle and from his resulting cross he found the head of Sam Higgins and the winger’s header found the back of the net after Marrable slipped in trying to get to the ball.
The Millers huffed and puffed afterwards in the vain hope of getting back into the match but all was lost as the visitors held strong to take a vital three points.
Luckily enough for Aveley, East Thurrock were unable to take full advantage after their draw with fellow play-off hopefuls Concord Rangers at Rookery Hill.
Aveley: James Marrable, Richard Ketchell, Sam Holloway, Matthew Johnson, John Maskell (Ryan Doyle 46), Sean Francis, Junior Dadson, Nicky Wettner (Christian Wheeler 71), Petrit Elbi, Neil Richmond, Joao Carlos (Bradley Barnes 86).
Subs not used: Bryan Hammatt, James Hussey (gk)