Aveley 2, St Ives Town 1

AVELEY'S late double sends them a step closer to Wembley. The Millers left it late at Parkside, but beat St Ives Town in the FA Trophy second round on Saturday (18 November).

Early on the home favourites looked far from comfortable. St Ives had some dangerous moments that tested the nerves of the Millers faithful.

After 25 minutes the visitors should've taken the lead. St Ives forward Jonathan Edwards beat the offside trap but had his initial effort and follow-up saved by Jonathan North, superb goalkeeping!

A bombardment of decent chances soon followed for The Saints, and they could've found themselves with a healthy lead. Jonathan North pulled off another superb save in the 35th minute, somehow denying Ben Mensah's effort at the far post.

Five minutes later, Siju Odelusi was back to clear a St Ives chance off the line. Few would have predicted that first half. 

Aveley struggled to get a grip on the game, and things went from bad to worse in the 66th minute when St Ives scored. The Saints produced a long throw into the penalty area that was finished off by Michael Richens. It had been coming for the visitors.

The turning point for The Millers was when Emmanuel Ogunrinde and Ikechi Eze came on in the 75th minute.

Aveley had a fire in their belly, determined to score. They did just that as substitutes Ogunrinde and Eze combined in the 85th minute. Eze's corner was headed home at the front post by Ogunrinde who wasn't done yet.

Just five minutes later Ogunrinde received another cross, this time from Nana Kyei, and powered the ball goalwards and Millers took the lead! 

Ogunrinde had the clinical edge to send The Millers to the third round.

Aveley now focuses toward Vanarama South action on Tuesday (21 November). The Millers travel to Longmead Stadium, home of Tonbridge Angels who sit 10th but are unbeaten in five. Kick-off 19:45