Millers battle back twice to earn hard-fought point - and ruffle controversial Borough manager's coiffured feathers
By Nub News Reporter 9th Aug 2026
Aveley 2, Eastbourne Borough 2
AN 89th-minute goal earned Millers a hard-fought point against Isthmian premier newcomers Eastbourne Borough, who were relegated after finishing bottom of the National League South last time out.
Manager Brett Munyard praised the hard work of his team and their resilience, saying he felt they deserved a share of the points in an entertaining match where both teams contributed to a free-flowing encounter.
Opposition boss Steve King, known as one of the most controversial in non-League football for his comments and perceived arrogance, was less convinced about the outcome, saying his side were the better one for much of the game and branding Aveley a 'long ball' team. He even moaned about not being allowed to wear footwear of his choice on Millers' artificial pitch, declining to wear boots and saying he preferred to be 'smart casual'.
His post-match interview brought a rare critical comment from Munyard who posted on social media: "I don't think even I have ever tweeted or reacted to an opposition manager's post match … But honestly the arrogance is unbelievable! You're only as good as the level you're at", perhaps a reference to King's failure to save Borough from relegation after being brought in as a 'saviour' last season.
The much-travelled manager, who numbers Lewes, Northwich Victoria, Farnborough, Macclesfield, Whitehawk, Welling United, Dartford, Gloucester, Havant & Waterlooville and Hednesford in a volatile 25 year coaching career, said: "If this is what we've got to put up with at this level, then I've got to get used to it."
The match at Parkside, played out in front of a crowd of 366, got off to an even and lively start, with Millers having an early effort from Chris Harris and then Ollie Peters heading wide.
But Eastbourne were generally on top and built up the momentum, resulting in the game's opening goal on 35 minutes when Tyrell Egbri followed up to tap the ball home after a partial stop from Millers stopper Charlie Turner.
Borough continued to press and though Millers had chances, they were probably relieved to go in just one behind on the balance of play, with the visitors spurning a couple of decent opportunities.
And the first half resilience earned reward for Millers just three minutes after the restart when Jayden Robinson fired past visiting keeper Lewis Carey for the equaliser.
On 53 minutes Millers lost Max Booth who was stretchered off after an injury, being replaced by Malachi Napa.
From then on the game was much tighter, with some fractious moments along the way and ref Christopher Poole found himself on the end of criticism from both sides.
However, it looked as if Borough had produced the game's decisive moment on 82 minutes when a long ball released Kai Corbett who produced the finish to beat Turner.
Millers introduced Toby Aromolaran for Albie Armin in the wake of the goal and it was a switch that paid dividends with two minutes of normal time to play when Aromolaran appeared at the back to tap home a blocked effort.
Seven minutes of added time failed to produce another goal and the honours were shared.
Millers will be back in action on Tuesday evening, with a trip to another newcomer to the division, last season's Isthmian North champions Maldon & Tiptree.
The Jammers have come through an eventful close season, with the club's owners being arrested and charged with a number of criminal offences, the departure of manager Kevin Horlock and appointment of Mark Hawkes in his place.
Hawkes has assembled a new look squad since taking over, but Jammers got a taste of what lies ahead in the wake of their crisis with an opening day 6-0 drubbing at Dulwich Hamlet.
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