Canvey Island 2, Aveley 2

AVELEY let a two goal lead slip in the closing moments of an engaging friendly at Caney on Tuesday (23 July) evening.

Aveley started the brighter and had the first real chance when Tyler Cox burst into the box but he was denied the opportunity to shoot when he appeared to be pulled down, prompting penalty appeals that were waved away.

It proved to be the only significant talking point of a closely contested match that brought few first half chances.

After the hour mark almost the entire Aveley team was replaced by a squad including a number of trialists, though it was to be regular Charlee Hughes who sparked the opening goal on 70 minutes when he was fouled in the box and the subsequent penalty was converted.

Soon after one of the trialists extended the lead thanks to a deflected shot but Canvey grabbed one back on 76 minutes following a breakaway and in the closing stages levelled the scores.

On Saturday, Aveley are back at Parkside, where they entertain Colchester United (3pm).