IT'S unlikely, but Aveley could end the year on top of the Bet Victor Isthmian North division if things go their way today.

The Millers sit three points behind leaders Maldon & Tiptree – who have played three games less – but were the Jammers to lose today in a derby at mid-table Witham Town then the door is open to Aveley to go top.

To do that they will have to beat off the challenge of bottom club Romford – a task not as easy as it might appear as the Borough arrive at Parkside under the leadership of Glenn Tamplin who has already signed and moved on a full squad.

Romford have been particularly badly hit by the weather but Tamplin has confidently predicted Borough will surge up the table now.

Today's game will be Romford's first since the 2-1 win at Felixstowe & Walton United on 7 December, since when Aveley have managed to fit in five games, the most recent being their Boxing Day derby with Grays Athletic, which ended with them winning 6-1 with Shad Ngandu bagging a hat-trick.

Tilbury were also due to be in action, at Brentwood Town, but that has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch so they, like Grays Athletic and East Thurrock United, will spend the afternoon with their feet up.