On what would’ve been a strange evening for Millers Boss, last month leaving Brightlingsea Regent to join us, but no love was losses in what was a combative, high paced, action packed game in front of a brilliant crowd of 206.

We got off to a brilliant start, free-kick came in from George Doyle, it was met by Alex Teniola who on his second Home debut for us nodded past Sam Cowler. Aveley 1-0 Brightlingsea Regent.

The Millers continued to press and Alex Teniola and Paul Preston both had half chances, Paul was flagged offside but Alex’s effort was blocked by Gould.

Sam Cowler continued to be tested as Harry Cook found Alex Teniola and Alex’s effort stung the hands of the Regent keeper.

The visitors could’ve considered themselves lucky to have 11 men on the pitch as Jake Gould did his best to make himself the villain on the night. He first connected with Paul Preston’s face which saw a free-kick given and no booking, and then came in on Harry Cook with a high two-footed, off the floor challenge which could’ve easily warranted a red card, but on this occasion only a yellow card.

Just before half-time we almost found our breathing space. A corner from George Woodward came back out to the left back who crossed back into the box, but saw it go an inch wide of Cowler’s right-hand post.

Half Time | Aveley 1-0 Brightlingsea Regent.

The Bostik Premier League side was much improved in the second half and on another night could’ve found themselves on the scoresheet.

Aaron Condon saw his effort hit the inside of the post and thankfully bounce back into Rhys Madden’s hands.

The Millers came back and could’ve ended the contest as Connor Hogan just couldn’t get the ball in the goal after the ball just wouldn’t sit for him to tap it in from close range. Alex Stephenson was then up for a corner and saw his effort blocked away from goal.

On the 60th minute Regent should’ve been level, Aaron Condon centred to Billy Hunt who missed the target from six yards out. The visitors then soon after hit the crossbar and after three corners the Millers survived that spell of pressure.

In the last ten minutes the game opened up, Nathan Koranteng went through with Alex Teniola on the square pass for the tap in but Nathan just couldn’t connect. Regent then countered and Aaron Condon forced Rhys Madden into a smart save.

In the last few minutes, a few yellow cards were handed out. George Doyle got yellow for kicking the ball away, Alex Teniola for a late tackle on Gould, and Regent keeper Sam Cowler for moving the ball forward.

Four minutes were added on and the Millers did well to see the game out to claim a fantastic victory and rewarded with an Essex Senior Cup Round Four tie at home to Concord Rangers, date announced as soon as possible.

Millers XI | Rhys Madden, Connor Hogan, George Woodward, Callum Leahy, Mark Twumasi, Alex Stephenson, Paul Preston (Matthew Rose 75), George Doyle, Alex Teniola, Harry Cook (Nathan Koranteng 75), Julian Smith.

Unused Subs | Billy Coyne, Jordan Peart

Regent XI | Sam Cowler, Ricky Griggs, Jake Gould, James Love, Josh Gould, Matt Cripps (Harry McDonald 26), Rob Harvey, Jake Turner, Billy Hunt, Robbie Rees, Aaron Condon.

Unused Subs | Rocha Fosker, Luke Mallett, Dillon O'Connor.