Cheshunt 2, Aveley 0

TUESDAY (24 February) brough a rare away Isthmian Premier defeat for Millers, sealed by a late goal as the visitors stormed forward in search of an equaliser.

The outcome wasn't entirely unexpected as Cheshunt have been in decent form and the win at Theobald's Lane extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Aveley were without the services of former Ambers striker Chris Harris through injury but had the returning Suley Zudhu to replace him, and had also signed Liam Nash on the day of the match. He made his second Millers debut off the bench on the hour.

There was little to separate the sides at half time, with Cheshunt's capacity for hard-work keeping their visitors in check - though Millers did have chances Zudhu looking dangerous and Fletcher Hubbard proving difficult to tie down.

However, the impact of Hubbard was lost just before the half hour when he picked up a nasty-looking facial injury and was replaced by Jesse Nwabueze.

The second half saw more of the same from Aveley, no risks at the back a long ball game which Ambers defence became increasingly familiar with and they struck back on the hour mark with the game's opening goal.

Sam Granville sent the Aveley midfield the wrong way with his quick feet, creating a three on one attack which was finished with aplomb by Tommy Wood who struck a thunderous shot past Rylee Mitchell. 

Aveley pressed for an equaliser, forcing a number of corners, and long range shots, but Cheshunt keeper Aymen Azaze was solid in the defence of his goal and marshalled his defence well.  

As Millers threw more men forward home manager Mel Gwinnett changed his wide men for fresh legs, the movement of Antonis Vasiliou and the pace of Jesse Effa. From the next Aveley attack the Cheshunt defence intercepted and set Granville away again in almost the same move as the first goal, this time Granville released Effa who took on the goalkeeper one-to-one and beat him at the second attempt to seal the victory.

Aveley are next in action on Saturday (28 February) when they travel to Ramsgate for a 5.30pm kick that will be screened live on Clubber.