Eastbourne Borough 2, Aveley 1

AVELEY continue to search for a first Vanarama National League South win after Saturday's (24 August) narrow defeat at the The ReachTV Stadium, where they took an early lead but eventually went down to a third defeat of the season by the odd goal.

Aveley opened well and went ahead in the fifth minute when a quick counter-attack down the right from Josh Anifowose resulted in a shot that was saved by home stopper Joseph Wright but with Charlee Hughes lurking for the rebound,  French defender Moussa Diarra turned the ball into his own net.

And there was almost a second seven minutes later when a great ball in from Anifowose found the head of Harry Gibbs whose header was saved by Wright.

It was a great start by Millers and full time Borough, who were very much pre-match favourites, were rocking.

However, they eventually weathered the storm and began to play an increasing role going forwards. Aveley keeper Jack West did well to keep out a free kick from and Ikechi Eze completed a clearance.

Eastbourne continued pressure eventually paid off in the 29th minute when a corner from Pierce Bird was met by Dan Quick and though it wasn't the most powerful of header it looped into the net for an equaliser.

More pressure followed from Eastbourne, but to Millers' credit they rode their luck and ended the half on the front foot with a succession of chances. From one piece of pressure Wright almost punched into his own net and when the ball was returned into the danger area by Luke Allen Gibbs fired an inch over the bar.

Manny Ogunrinde saw a goalbound shot blocked and then another effort flew wide. In between an eventful couple of minutes Ogunrinde was also booked for handball.

Borough had the last chance of the half but neither side was able to find a breakthrough.

The second half saw Eastbourne come out with renewed determination, and it didn't take long for them to take the lead. In the 51st minute, Bradley Barry played a perfectly weighted ball down the middle for Ballard-McBride to chase. The Australian forward kept his composure in a one-on-one situation with West calmly slotting the ball home.

The hosts continued to press, with Yahaya Bamba and David Sesay both going close to extending the lead.

A succession of substitutes followed, including the introduction of new Millers signing David Kawa, recruited from league side Peterborough United, and he was quickly in the action, replacing Kenny Aileru and getting on the end of a pass from Charlee Hughes with a shot that was blocked.

Aveley pushed for an equaliser in the final stages, creating a few nervy moments for Borough's defence through six minutes of added time, but an equaliser wasn't to be.

From what was overall an encouraging display, Millers will be hopeful of a first league win when they entertain Slough at Parkside on Monday (3pm).