Aveley 4, Basildon United 0

AVELEY produced the dominating display they needed to refocus minds on a promotion challenge after the heady heights of a magnificent FA Trophy run that threatened to derail the Millers' quest to make it to the BetVictor Isthmian Premier.

Recent faltering steps means it will be nigh-on impossible to haul back runaway leaders Maldon for top spot but Aveley will be hoping to secure the top play-off position with a series of emphatic wins - and tonight's performance laid down a marker - and included the rare event of a goal by a goalkeeper!

Aveley made a strong start to the match and in the opening exchanges George Sykes saw a shot blocked by the feet of Bees' keeper George Marsh.

Then Alex Akrofi forced Marsh into another save and Sykes headed just over as the positive start continued.

Marsh was having something of a blinder with another couple of good saves, but just when it seemed he would guide his side into the break with the match goalless, he was culpable for a misjudgement that saw his opposing number get on the scoresheet

The last minute of the half saw keeper David Hughes launch a punt straight down the middle and it caught the wind and a favorable bounce that deceived Marsh and went straight into the net to give Aveley a deserved, if somewhat unusual lead. It was Hughes' first ever goal.

Aveley were quick out of the traps in the second half too and Akrofi went close when he headed Sykes' fine ball just wide but the provider turned finisher on 58 minutes when Sykes took a great touch and launched a long range effort past Marsh into the bottom corner.

The pressure continued and it was no surprise on 66 minutes when Jason Raad fired past Marsh for a third.

Marsh continued to impress with almost a one man show to keep the Millers at bay but he was beaten for a fourth time with five minutes to go by Wyan Reid who slipped the offside trap and produced a confident finish.

The emphatic win put Millers back into second spot and it they can keep up this level of performance it will only be a matter of time before they secure the play-off spot they want and then it will be all eyes on a possible Maldon falter but more likely a play-off finale.