Torquay United 1, Aveley 1

MILLERS fought back with an second half equaliser and then fought a rearguard action to earn a Vanarama National League South point at Torquay on Saturday (31 August).

The Gulls took the lead ahead on the stroke of half-time at Plainmoor, before Alex Hernandez levelled things up in the second half.

The first quarter of the match was relatively even but Millers found themselves increasingly on the back foot and they were grateful to returning keeper Carey Bloedorn for several saves.

Aveley were not completely overwhelmed, or overawed by their illustrious hosts and they threatened occasionally, threatening most at set pieces. 

Just when it looked as though it would be all-square at the break Torquay grabbed the lead when Matt Carson's cross-shot caught everyone out by dipping over Bloedorn – but under the crossbar – to give United an interval advantage.

Aveley drew level in style just short of the hour mark.

After winning a free-kick 22 yards out and left of centre, Hernandez stepped up to curled a fine free-kick over the wall and inside the post, past James Hamon's despairing dive.

Torquay applied plenty of pressure thereafter, and had plenty of the ball, however they weren't really able to create much in the way of clear-cut openings against a well-marshalled Aveley defence.

A string of corners in the dying stages saw United set up camp inside the opposing penalty area, however the visitors were back in numbers, with their combined efforts doing enough to keep Torquay out.