Aveley 2, Hemel Hempstead Town 1

ONCE again Parkside was the place to be as Aveley continue to impress in the highest reaches of the Vanarama National League South, going second only on goal difference to Yeovil Town with Monday (6 November) night's win.

There was little to separate the sides in the first half, which saw Aveley start well with Eduino Vaz firing an early shot wide and Sydney Ibie showing pace and strength throughout - and also his workrate with occasional big contributions in defence.

Hemel had claims for a penalty for a handball waved away just before the break but the two sides were well-matched at 0-0 at the interval.

There was an unusual start to the second half with Hemel firing the ball forward and it deflected off Jalen Jones and looked goalbound only for Jonathan North to inervene with a fine save.

Just after the hour enterprising play by Ibie won Millers a corner and when it was delivered in by Vaz he headed the hosts into the lead.

Both sides had chances but Aveley exerted a real grip on the match on 74 minutes when another cross from Vaz was pwerfully headed home by Harry Gibbs.

Hemel got a lifeline with two minutes to go with more penalty appeals after Jones was involved in a challenge and this time they were met with an affirmative nod from the ref and Joe Iaciofano converted from the spot.

There were some nervous moments for Aveley through five minutes of added time and once more they were indebted to North for a fine save right at the death to ensure his side took all the points.,

After the match manager Danny Scopes, who has now completed two amazingly successful years at the club, said: "I still think there's more to come from us, for example consistency through a game.

"Now it's the challenge of going to Bath on Saturday. They are a good team with some good players on a big pitch but we will enjoy this win and then get focussed."