Welling United 1, Aveley 0

A HARD-fought Thames derby at Park View on Saturday (10 August) saw Aveley come away with nothing from their opening Vanarama National League South clash of the season.

The decisive moment in the match came on the hour mark when Wings' Martell Taylor-Crossdale picked the ball up and was given the time and space to turn back on himself, cut inside and crack a curling effort from 20 yards out into the top left hand corner, shaving the bar before it rippled the back of the net.

In the opening stages Welling had some early pressure and Dave Winfield saw his header saved by Millers' Carey Bloedorm but the first dramatic moment of the match came on 33 minutes when a free-kick from Josh Hallard was flicked goalwards by Luke Allen only for Rhys Lovett to dive and push the effort wide of the post.

Soon after Lovett was in action again, pushing Eze Ikechi's free-kick over the bar.

It was a strong ending to the half by the visitors but they were unable to capitalise and the sides went into the break goalless.

There was a different feel to the second half, with Wings, possibly stirred by by former Millers boss Rod Stringer's halftime words, starting to control the game. There were a number of half chances that Aveley were lucky to survive, with Gene Kennedy first skidding a shot inches wide of the post from inside the box.

In the 53rd minute, a glorious opportunity evaded half-time substitute Reece Grant, who could not divert a right-wing cross over the line from five yards, with the ball hitting him and bouncing wide.

Then came Welling debutant Taylor-Crossdale's moment of magic and over the closing half hour Aveley rarely looked like getting back on level terms, though they did have one chance of note when Joshua Anifowose was left one-on-one from close range – but once again, Welling's Lovett was on hand to stand big and snuff out the danger.

Millers are quickly back in action, with a home Essex Thameside Trophy quarter-final against Basildon United at Parkside on Monday (12 August) evening, 7.45ko.