Aveley 3, Witham Town 2

AVELEY progressed to the last 16 of the Isthmian League's Velocity Cup on Monday evening (17 November) thanks to late goals – but it was a performance that bitterly upset manager Brett Munyard.

The hosts made a bright start against their Isthmian North visitors and were rewarded after five minutes when the ball was crossed into the box where Ryan Charles was on hand to head home.

Millers had to make a change on 22 minutes when Jesse Nwabueze was unable to shake off a knock and he was replaced by Harry Lusher, coming on for this first team debut.

Witham drew level just after the half hour when Owen Taylor was played in down the right and he got the better of a one-on-one with keeper Christian North before slotting the ball home.

Aveley suffered another blow when Ollie Peters came off with an injury on 38 minutes, being replaced by Josh Colyer.

The sides went into the break on even terms and looked well-matched throughout the second half, though there were few clear chances at either end.

However, with just a minute to go on the clock Witham looked to have nicked the tie when Rowan Dorling.

But Colyer's night became memorable in the fourth minute of added time when the U18s graduate equalised.

Things were to get even better for Millers two minutes later when they were awarded a penalty and Jayden Robinson drilled home a low shot from the penalty spot to put the home team through.

However, despite the relief of the last goals manager Munyard was critical of his team, particularly the more experienced players – some of whom he said 'tossed it off'.

He said: "I was bitterly disappointed with the performance. We have no excuses, the manner of the win was below our standards. It was diabolical.

"I think it's the least happy I've been about winning a game in ten years of managing football. If we are like that on Saturday, we will get a hiding.

"I can't take nothing away from the youngsters but I expect more from the senior players. We can't hide behind a poor performance. However, that's the boys' tenth game in just over a month and we've not lost a single one of them … eight wins and two draws with no more that 20 players used is some going!"

Millers have been drawn at home to Redbridge in the next round. Their next action is on Saturday (22 November) when Wingate & Finchley visit in the league.