Aveley 3, Basildon United 3

Basildon won 3-1 on penalties.

MILLERS gave up a two goal lead before losing to penalties and bowing out of the Essex Thameside Trophy in Monday night's (12 August) quarter-final.

Basildon, fresh from a season-opening Isthmian North 1-0 win against Haringey Borough, made a bright start against something of an experimental Aveley side that included an unnamed trailist in the starting line-up.

They had the game's first real chance but Darren Esuka shot straight at keeper Jack West. 

Aveley created their first significant threat on 11 minutes when George Marsh pulled off a fine save to deny Alex Hernandez and then repeated his heroics to keep out a header from Josh Anifowose.

His dexterity was rewarded as United attacked again and this time Esuka made no mistake to finish his opportunity from eight yards after hestitancy in the home defence.

The lead lasted until the 34th minute when Basildon were caught napping at the back and made a mistake distributing the ball. Aveley's Tyler Cox seized on the error and equalised after rounding Marsh and slotting home his first Millers goal.

And on the stroke of half time the hosts took the lead from a free kick from Alex Hernandez that caught Marsh flat-footed.

Basildon repeated their first half bright start in the second stanza and Ryan Sammons set up a good chance for Esuka, but he headed over.

On 76 minutes Aveley extended their lead when Cox won the ball out wide. His cross was fumbled by Marsh and Hernandez made no mistake from close range with the goal at his mercy.

But then Millers eased up and it cost them as Kye Jude got a scrambled goal back on 76 minutes and, deep into five minutes of added time, Ruben Bartleet-Antwi grabbed an equaliser.

The match went straight to penalties, with Aveley mising their first effort and Sammons hit the net for United. Millers fluffed their second kick too and though Nathan Carlyle did convert their third, Ramiah Mills and Josh Taylor scored in succession from the spot to put the visitors through when Millers missed their fourth.

Aveley will be back in action at Parkside on Saturday when they welcome Tonbridge Angels for a first home Vanarama National League match of the season.

You can watch Aveley manager Danny Scopes' post-match reaction via the link below.