Yeovil Town 3, Aveley 1

MILLER's lengthy foray into the south west ended in disappointment as the Glovers wrapped their hands around top spot in the Vanarama National League South.

This was always going to prove a tough ask for Danny Scopes' side – particularly after their two exertions to beat neighbours Hornchurch and set up next weekend's mammoth FA Cup tie against Barnet.

Two first-half goals from Rhys Murphy and one from Jordan Young decided the league clash at Huish Park, tempering the hopes of Aveley who were in fourth place at the start of the afternoon

Yeovil made a decent start and Jake Wannell put a close range effort over the bar.

Aveley then had their first chance. Michael Dada brought the ball forward before firing an effort towards goal, but Joe Day was there to punch the ball clear.

The hosts then began to exert authority on the match and created a succession of chances before breaking the deadlock on 13 minutes. Michael Smith brought the ball down and found the feet of Frank Nouble, who squared the ball to Rhys Murphy, who poked it in at the back post.

Before the green-clad supporters had even finished celebrating the first goal, they had another to celebrate. Frank Nouble played a pinpoint pass through to Will Dawes, who found Jordan Young with a delightful cross before Young volleyed the ball beyond Jonathan North in the Aveley goal to make it 2-0.

North was fighting something of a lone battle to keep Yeovil at bay and made some decent saves before Murphy grabbed his second around the half hour mark.

The second half saw Aveley come out with nothing but attacking intent. Their very attack-minded setup worked within the first few minutes as Charlie Hughes managed to squeeze the ball over the line after a good initial save from Joe Day.

But there was to be no comeback. Yeovil reorganised and grabbed the initiative back and though Millers fought to the end, and came close a couple of times in a late flourish, it was to be the hosts' day.