Aveley 2, Wingate and Finchley 0

AVELEY brushed off a disappointing midweek cup performance to extend their uneaten run to ten games in Saturday's (22 November) Isthmian premier home clash with Wingate – themselves going into the match on a good run of form.

It was an end-to-end game as expected, with these two sides combining to score 34 goals in their last six games. But the first half saw both defences come out on top. The visitors' first chance of the game fell to Caoilan McGettigan, who ran through the middle of the pitch before striking at the Aveley goal, but it was well saved by Joe Wright.

Millers responded with chances of their own, which include a number of collective efforts at goal, but the visitors remained strong.

Aveley had a glorious chance before the break. Jayden Robinson recycled a corner into the box, George Saunders took aim, which was saved by Charlie Grainger; the rebound found the head of Chris Harris, who headed over the crossbar.

On the stroke of half-time, Millers made the breakthrough when George Saunders picked up the ball on the right-hand side of the penalty area and struck at goal, Grainger made the save, but this time Ryan Charles was there to convert from close range.

The visitors had a couple of great chances in the second half. Gianlucca Botti was the first to be denied by Joe Wright from a tight angle. McGettigan was next to force Joe Wright into another great save, with the rebound put over the bar by ex-Aveley loanee Ayyuba Jambang.

Millers had their own chances to double the lead. A corner was met by the head of Ryan Henshaw, who saw his header deflected off a fellow Miller for a goal kick. Saunders found a brilliant ball into Harris, who saw his goal-bound effort blocked last-ditch by Benjamin Watt.

With 20 minutes to go, Jayden Robinson deservedly doubled Aveley's lead. Aveley's scorer of the first goal turned provider as Charles slid in Robinson, who calmly slotted past Grainger.

Aveley had the ball in the Wingate & Finchley net soon after. The build-up play was exceptional and deserved a goal, but Jayden Gipson saw his strike ruled out for offside.

The score line would stay the same after another brilliant save from Wright, who was in fine form to deny the visitors a route back into the game and secure the clean sheet for Aveley. 

The win left Aveley fourth in the table. They are next in action on Friday, 28 November when they go to second-placed Brentwood