Aveley 2, Chichester City 2

A STOPPAGE time goal from Matt Johnson salvaged an Isthmian Premier point for Millers after a hard-fought clash at Parkside on Monday (16 February) when the mid-table visitors gave a good account of themselves. 

Just over two weeks ago Aveley ran out 1-0 winners at City's ground but it was a different story as the West Sussex made the return journey with serious intent.

However, it didn't look that way in the early stages as promotion-chasing Millers made a strong start, capped by a fine individual goal from Fletcher Hubbard on 20 minutes.

City had the first real opportunity after just two minutes but James Wild failed to take it and Aveley pushed them back.

The pressure resulted in Hubbard's goal on 21 minutes when he weaved in and out of the Chichester midfield then cut into the box and bent a shot around City's Cambridge loanee keeper Jasper Briggs who was left flat-footed.

City bounced back well and put Aveley under increasing pressure, spurning another couple of chances before equalising three minutes before the break after a super move down the right.

Robert Davidson passed to Misha Djemaili, who took a nice touch and tucked it away clinically.

He might have added a second a minute later – but Wild did make it 2-1 in stoppage time with a neat finish to send the home side somewhat bewilderingly behind going into the interval - particularly after Chris Harris dragged a shot wide moments before the ref called time when it seemed easier to score.

The hosts brought on Anthony Church and George Saunders after the interval but for large parts of the second stanza the visitors held sway.

Wild missed a chance to win it for City ten minutes from time but miss-hit Rob Hutchings' free kick in the last 10.

And that proved costly.

Aveley pushed men forward in added time. Saunders cracked a shot against the stanchion and then Johnson bundled the ball into the back of the net in the 92nd minute to spare the hosts' blushes.

Manager Brett Munyard's post match verdict:-