Shad Ngandu’s first half penalty ensured the Millers picked up a hard-earned point in tough conditions at Histon at the weekend.

The visitors fell behind early on as Ed Rolph capitalised on a defensive mix-up, before the Millers levelled on the stroke of half time thanks to Ngandu’s penalty.

Chances came and went in the second period for both sides on a pitch which wasn’t conducive to free-flowing football, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough.

Millers boss Keith Rowland made three changes to the side which beat Witham Town 4-2, with George Allen and George Sykes making way for Perry Dunn and Tom Richardson, while Alfie Hilton made his debut having joined from Great Wakering Rovers. Midfielder James Goode was unavailable.

There was also positive news with skipper Connor Witherspoon returning to the matchday squad following a period on the sidelines through injury.

After a quiet opening few minutes the hosts found themselves in front from almost the first foray forward from either side.

A long hopeful forward ball wasn’t dealt with by Millers keeper David Hughes and defender Perry Dunn, allowing Rolph to steal the ball.
He managed to weave his way towards goal before firing low into the net as the Millers suffered an early setback.

Chances were at a premium as the half wore on, but the visitors had large periods of the ball, without causing Sam Roach in the Histon goal too many issues.

As the Millers looked for a response, Richardson’s hard work won the visitors a free-kick just outside the area. Ngandu stepped up to take the set piece, but could only curl the effort over the bar.

And just as it looked as though the Millers would go in at the break a goal down, they were handed a lifeline.

A ball over the top from Jonathan Nzengo was flicked back to Roach by Pat Bexfield, with the former deciding to pick the ball up and the referee awarded a free-kick inside the box.

Akrofi fired the resulting effort goalwards, but his strike struck the hand of Simon Swinton and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Lengthy protests ensued but the penalty stood and Ngandu kept his cool to slot home his 13th goal of the season.

No changes were made at the break by either side and chances were also few and far between in the opening exchanges of the second period with neither goalkeeper severely tested.

The action began to heat up in the closing stages as Danny Gould went close for the hosts as he flashed a shot across goal and narrowly wide of the target.
Sykes was introduced for Richardson for the final 20 minutes and the striker’s presence certainly had an impact on proceedings.

With 10 minutes left on the clock he saw a shot blocked, and he was heavily involved in the Millers’ best chance of coming away with all three points with seven minutes remaining.

Sykes linked up well with Akrofi and the home defenders were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell to the later but his first time effort on the stretch was narrowly wide of the target.

There were some anxious moments at the back for the Millers late on, but they could have secured all three points in the final minute.

Akrofi did well to weave his way past several attempted Histon challenges before crossing from the by-line to find Wyan Reid at the back post, but the winger was unable to get the decisive touch, and though he kept the ball in a dangerous position, the hosts eventually cleared their lines.

Soon after, the full-time whistle blew to bring an end to the game and a hard-fought point for the Millers in tough conditions.

Histon XI | Sam Roach, Pat Bexfield, Alfie Lawrence, Lee Smith, Max York, Simon Swinton, Ed Rolph (Lewis Mair 68’), George Coy, Dan Brown, Evan Key (Buster Harradine 65’), Danny Gould.
Unused substitutes | Andy Ballester, Lewis McDonald
Cautions | Lee Smith (16’), Simon Swinton (24’)
Goals| Ed Rolph (9’)

Aveley XI | David Hughes, Jonathan Nzengo, Sam Mvemba, Alfie Hilton (Connor Witherspoon 79’), Harry Gibbs, Perry Dunn, Wyan Reid, Jack Mochalski, Tom Richardson (George Sykes 72’), Shad Ngandu, Alex Akrofi (Tony Martin 90’).
Unused substitutes | George Allen, Tommy Dixon
Cautions | Jack Mochalski (77’)
Goals | Shad Ngandu (45’ pen)

Attendance | 271