Despite the recent awful weather of late this match was played on an excellent surface, which was as good at the end of the game as it was when we started. The surface assisted both teams passing style, and it assisted in serving up an entertaining encounter.
Whilst host Wingate & Finchley held the upper hand in the first period, when composure in front of goal could have seen the Millers, trail at the break it was a different story after the interval. Millers dominated the second half, and Neil Richmond scored our winner just after the hour mark.
The Blues (of Wingate) attacked right from the very start, in a crowded box Chris Chase almost scored a spectacular goal with a deft back-heel but he narrowly missed the target. Craig Ellis then had a free header from a deep corner, but his goal bound effort was cleared off the goal line.

The Millers as an attacking force gradually got into the game and John Maskell sent a header from a corner into the arms of the grateful Gavin King. The game began to open up, and Wayne Grant should have finished a lovely flowing left-wing move when he received a first time pass from Chase but he hooked his shot wide. Back at the other end Garry Skerritt then found himself in space on the edge of the area and volleyed the ball sweetly, but again King was well positioned to collect the attempt on goal.

The turning point in the game came on the hour when Wayne Grant struck from wide on the left side of the area, with the effort sailing towards the far corner of the goal the dependable James Marrable went full length just tipping the shot over the bar.

Following Marrable’s save, the Millers attacked in numbers. A good passing move down the left flank saw Sam Holloway cross to Petrit Elbi, who laid off to strike partner Richmond to make no mistake from eight yards. A cool finish to a great move.
Millers dominated proceedings from then on in, assisted by some bizarre events. Firstly the home sides Leon Fisher decided he disagreed with the award of a free kick, and in showing a total disrespect for the Match Referee. Fisher after shouting at the official held his ground some 10 yards away refusing to go to the Referee when summoned. This ensured he got a yellow card. Fisher angered then told the Referee to F**k Off and quite rightly received a straight Red, and then he proceeded to blast the Match Ball out of the ground and over the Main Stand that lies some 50 yards from the playing surface. Comical to say the least if you were a Miller !
Then the Wingate Management had a mad moment, when with their left back off the pitch on the far side receiving treatment for a hamstring strain they made there final substitution. Yes you got it, failing to notice the player was off the field and injured !
Millers have now beaten Wingate twice in the league this season, in which they have only been beaten 4 times in total.
Aveley: James Marrable, Glen Golby, Sam Holloway, Garry Skerritt, Richard Ketchell, John Maskell, Junior Dadson (Matthew Johnson 71), Nicky Wettner, Petrit Elbi (Sean Thomas 79), Neil Richmond, Joao Carlos.
Sub not used: Ryan Doyle, Joe Sweeney, Christian Wheeler.