Maidstone United 0, Aveley 1

TUESDAY evening brought another fine victory for Danny Scopes' Millers and it put them on top of the National League South.

The last time these two sides met, 12 years ago, both were battling relegation from the Isthmian Premier. Now they are punching their weight at higher levels and so far this season non have punched heavier than the well-coached and highly organised Aveley side who are thoroughly enjoying life in their debut season in non-League's second tier.

Aveley had much the better of the first half, creating plenty of chances and forcing their hosts onto the back foot with some forceful play down either flank.,

Matt Rush went close with a low show well saved by Stones keeper Lucas Covolan and just a few minutes later, full back Eduino Vaz tried his luck from 25 yards which forced Covolan into a great save in the top right hand corner.

Rush looked to go one better just shy of the half hour mark when he was played through on goal but from a slight angle, his shot was denied by Covolan's boot.

Kenny Aileru was the next Aveley man to test the Stones back line when he got himself into a promising area inside the box but for a mixture of a last ditch challenge from George Fowler and Covolan's chest, it preserved parity for the Stones going into the break.

Aveley came back for more in the second period and got their just rewards just 10 minutes in when Jon Benton whipped a ballt which was nodded in by the incoming Charlee Hughes.

It was nothing more than the visitors deserved but it did seem to wake up the Stones as they looked to hit back.

For the first significant spell in the match they hit back and  Chi Ezennolim's attempted cross forced Jonathon North to tip the ball over the bar.

Moments later, Lamar Reynolds missed the Stones bestchance of the night when Levi Amantchi twisted and turned in the box before attempting to get his shot off. This was blocked but Reynolds could only fire over from 12 yards out with the goal at his mercy.

There were more half chances but Aveley were resolute and in the end thoroughly deserved their victory.

This Saturday (9 September) Millers are on the road and visit Slough Town - who have struggled so far but who present another difficult challenge says manager Scopes.

After the Maidstone match he said: "Full credit to the boys. As a unit we defended from the front.

"It's important that we don't get carried away, we've got six wins now and I can't be disappointed but now we look forward to Saturday's game at Slough which will be a tough one."

The manager also paid tribute to the Millers' travelling fans, saying: "Their singing at the end drove us on and gave us that extra yard and the boys appreciate it."