AVELEY'S hopes of going back to the top of the Isthmian North were denied this evening (Tuesday, 15 March) after the Millers were held to a goalless draw at Maldon and Tiptree.

The point lifted Aveley one place to second, a point behind leaders Canvey and level with Stowmarket on 63 points, but with a better goals difference. Stowmarket also have a match in hand so their trip to Parkside to meet Aveley on Saturday, 26 March could be pivotal as the title race goes right down to the wire.

Tonight's match was a hard-fought affair, with Millers giving a debut to new loan signing,

Southend United full back Reiss Chandler. He has made eight appearances for Premier Division Bishop's Stortford this season before picking up and injury. He will be with Aveley to the end of the season and played the first hour at Maldon, where the home side had the better of the chances and possession but Millers came back well in the second half. Tilbury were also in action this evening, but went down 1-0 at Coggeshall Town where the deciding goal came from Dylan Logan on 37 minutes. Dockers ended the match with ten men as keeper Lamar Johnson, the much-travelled and sometimes controversial former Charlton Athletic youth player who numbers Thurrock FC, Grays Athletic and Aveley among his former clubs, brought down an onrushing Coggeshall player with 14 minutes remaining.