Truro City 2, Aveley 1

AVELEY made the long trek back from Cornwall on Saturday (18 January), once again rueing what might have been after wretched run of narrow defeats continued.

The hosts are making a strong challenge for promotion, while Millers have spent most of the season in the relegation zone, but after almost 100 minutes of football, there was little to choose between the two sides and Aveley supporters will undoubtedly feel their team deserved more reward than just 'hard luck' and complimentary plaudits.

Though Truro made a bright start and held the early momentum, Millers settled to their task and were the better side in the first half.

They would have taken the lead but for a finger-tip save from home keeper Dan Lavercombe who pushed Coleman De Graft's effort from just outside the box onto the woodwork. Lavercombe was also called into action when Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain slipped and Josh Anifowose raced clear, only to be denied by the keeper.

Truro made two changes at the break and it made a difference as trhey held more possession, but it was Aveley who were to open the scoring on the hour through defender Brooklyn Kabongolo. The chance was created by Jaxon Brown, who had only just replaced Coleman De Graft, when he delivered a fine cross that was met to goal-scoring effect by Kabongolo.

Millers' advantage didn't last long though as Tyler Harvey restored parity just three minutes later as Aveley struggled to deal with a long throw and Harvey took advanatge.

And a throw was also the origin for what proved to be the winner 21 minutes from time, when it looked as if an Aveley head pushed the ball over the line, though Tom Harrison claimed the goal because of his earlier touch. 

Aveley threw everything they could at their hosts, surviving a couple of scares as they pushed forward, but it wasn't to be.

Millers, who are now ten points from safety, have a week to lick their wounds and bounce back, with 11th-placed Farnborough visitors to Parkside next weekend.