Aveley 1, Chatham Town 1

Aveley win 4-2 on penalties

AVELEY won through to the final of the Isthmian League's Velocity Trophy after winning a penalty shoot-out at Parkside tonight (Monday, 6 March).

The visitors, who are second in the South East Division, might have started as underdogs but they showed their bite by taking the lead in the eighth minute when Jack Evans fired home from the edge of the box.

Aveley responded well but a strong rearguard from the Kent side kept them at bay until the 41st minute when Jon Nzengo was brought down in the box and Garrett Kelly slotted home the spot kick.

There were few clear-cut chances in the second half and, after four nerve-wracking minutes of added time, the match went to the dreaded shootout.

Aveley went first and sub Siju Odelusi, who had only gone on with four minutes to go, scored. Chatham missed their first effort and it was advantage Aveley when Harry Gibbs converted.

After an on target Chatham effort George Sykes made it three successful strikes for the Millers but Chatham netted again and then Kelly failed to repeat his first half feat and missed his kick. Tensions eased when Jonathan North saved Chatham's next, leaving the way clear for Kenny Aileru to fire Millers into the final.

They will meet Potters Bar in a continuation of a run of matches.

It will be a fifth meeting of the season with the Scholars who beat Aveley after a replay in the FA Cup but Millers gained revenge with home and away league wins.