Aveley 1, Hornchurch 1

AVELEY manager Danny Scopes paid tribute to the character of his players and felt they possibly deserved more than the point they gleaned from today's (Thursday, 26 December) Vanarama National League South derby with neighbours Hornchurch at Parkside, played out in front of a crowd of 733.

They would have taken all the spoils but for a moment of late drama when Hornchurch keeper Mason Terry saved  Razzaq Coleman De-Graft's penalty deep into added time after David Kawa was taken out as he appeared set to tap in a winning goal.

The match was preceded by an emotional minute's applause for South Ockendon youngster Lincoln Button, whose pre-Christmas death has caused widespread upset in the local community.

When the action started Aveley made a bright opening and in just the third minute Brooklyn Kabongolo's effort was cleared off the line and De-Graft's follow up was just inches over the crossbar.

The early pressure paid as Aveley took the lead on 15 minutes when a mistake at the back by former Miller allowed David Kawa the opportunity to nip in and chip Terry for the opener.

Aveley looked marginally the better side and exerted more pressure that led to a couple of chances going begging.

Hornchurch rallied as the first half came towards its close and Sean Scannell went close.

At the other end Terry showed his ability with a double save, first thwarting De-Graft and then pushing Hamza Bin-Schaluka's effort wide of the post.

Aveley took their lead into the second half but it didn't last long after the restart as the hosts were caught napping on 50 minutes when Myles Weston crossed and Henry Hearn was allowed the opportunity to tap in from close range. 

Hornchurch were the dominate side for much of the second half, though Aveley did have their chances.

And there was a deep sigh of relief in the home camp after 65 minutes when a rebound from an attempted clearance by Millers keeper James Holden struck the woodwork before ending up back in his hands.

With 15 minutes to go Millers spurned an great chance when Kabongolo fired over from close range after a set piece.

Half chances came and went before the stoppage time penalty drama, which Miller fans will hope does not prove pivotal at the season's end.