Aveley 3, Colchester United 2

DESPITE a late comeback from the Football League visitors, Millers held on to take a victory in Saturday's (27 July) penultimate home pre-season friendly.

Aveley opened the scoring in spectacular fashion when a defensive combination of two Harrys reaped dividends as Harry Beadle got on the end of a ball into the box by Harry Gibbs and produced an acrobatic finish into the left hand side of the goal. 

The hosts took the lead into the second half, where they extended it with a goal from a trialist when the visiting keeper struggled to cope with an effort from Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and could only kncok the ball into his path and he showcased his talent with a scoring finish.

A third goal followed when Ikechi Eze lost his marker in the box and headed home.

Poor marking allowed Colchester a goal back and, after several changes in the Millers line-up the visitors got a second but aveley did enough to hold on and take a deserved victory.

The last home pre-season friendly follows on Tuesday when Millers play host to Isthmian Premier Hashtag United (7.45pm). Hastag, who have climbed through the lower leagues since their formation just seven seasons ago will be ground-sharing at Parkside this season. 

Aveley's final friendly before the Vanarama National League South season opens at Welling United on Saturday, 10 August, will be at Cheshunt, also from the Isthmian Premier, next Saturday (3 August).