Maidstone United 0, Aveley 2

TWO goals in three minutes early in the first half led to a much-needed win for Aveley in their battle to avoid relegation from the National League South.

Millers went into Tuesday night's (11 February) clash as big underdogs, with Stones in fourth place, but Danny Scopes' side rewrote the script.

They were quickly out of the traps and created two chances inside the first four minutes, but Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, returning to one of his former clubs, was unable to make the most of them.

However, the pressure continued and was rewarded on 14 minutes when Hamza Semakula picked out Tyreese Owen and he finished with aplomb with keeper Alexis Andre Jr transfixed.

Two minutes later, Brooklyn Kabongolo got on the end of a corner and smashed home from close range as Maidstone were caught cold again.

Coleman De-Graft might have extended the lead but his shot from just outside the box rose over the bar.

Maidstone were simply not at the races and their lack of urgency was typified when Aaron Blair failed to test Millers keeper James Holden with anything serious after working an opportunity for himself in the box.

Updated table.

Another chance was won and lost for the home side a minute before the break when Blair took advantage of a slip by Millers' Nathan Carlyle but his tame, scuffed effort was easily dealt with by Holden.

Maidstone boss George Elokobi responded with a triple change at half-time and his side improved somewhat.

And there was brief hope for home fans at the Gallagher Stadium when Brookes free-kick before the hour mark was met by Ricardo German at the near post but keeper Holden made an excellent reaction save.

That was as close as Maidstone were to come to a goal, and any hopes of a recovery were hampered when the influential Temi Eweka was stretchered off soon after.

Millers had to survive 11 minutes of added time but did so in relative comfort and will now be looking to build on the win at home to promotion-challenging Weston-super-Mare on Saturday (15 February).

The value of the win was enhanced as relegation rivals Enfield Town and St Albans City also won, Town's 2-0 home win against 20th-placed Welling United dragging them a little nearer the chasing pack.