Aveley 0, Slough Town 3

FOR the first time in what has been a tough start to the Vanarama National League South, Aveley somewhat capitulated and were well beaten by visitors Slough, who extended an unbeaten run over two seasons to 25 matches and moved to the top of the table.

Playing just two days after a tough test at Eastbourne, Aveley struggled in the early stages as the game started at a brisk pace, with Slough taking control early on. Millers did manage to test Slough's goalkeeper Charlie Horlock on seven minutes, with Harry Gibbs forcing a save from a long-range free kick.

Slough's breakthrough came in the 20th minute, following a well-worked move through the midfield. Henry Ochieng and Leon Chambers-Parillon combined to find John Ufuah in the box. Ufuah's low shot was parried by Aveley's goalkeeper Jack West-Astuti, deputising for the illness-stricken Carey Bloedorn but Abisogun was on hand to pounce on the rebound.

The Rebels controlled the remainder of the first half but were unable to extend their lead.

The second half began much as the first had ended, with Slough on the front foot and Kweki Lucan and Abisogun continued to cause problems for the Aveley defence.

The pressure eventually paid in the 67th minute, Slough were awarded a penalty after Ufuah was clipped inside the box. Ufuah stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort saved by West. Unfortunately for the keeper John Gilbert was quickest to react, latching onto the rebound and firing the ball into the back of the net to double the lead.

Slough continued to press and added a third goal in the 85th minute. This time, it was Lucan who got on the scoresheet, finishing off a well-crafted move. John Gilbert, who had been instrumental in the midfield since coming on as a substitute, played a precise pass across the box, allowing Lucan to slot the ball past West and seal the victory.

Aveley boss Danny scopes was realistic after the defeat, whioch leaves his team second from the bottom of the table, saying: "You make your own luck with hard work, but we just weren't very good today.

"We have to take our medicine and have a look at ourselves in the mirror.

"To be able to compete you have to be able to do the basics right and we didn't do that today. As a collective we weren't good enough."

Aveley: Jack West, Jason Ring, Josh Hallard, Adam Leathers (Alex Hernandez 69), Harry Gibbs (c), Harry Beadle, Kenny Aileru, Luke Allen (Ikechi Eze 69), Charlee Hughes, Josh Anifowose, David Kawa (Razzaq Coleman De-Graft 47). Unused substitutes: Ryan Bernal, Kian Cocking.

Things don't get any easier for the Millers this coming weekend, with a trip to second-placed former Football League side Torquay United.