Hemel Hempstead Town 1, Aveley 1

MILLERS pulled off a battling draw at Hemel on Saturday (22 March) to keep their mathematical attachment to the Vanarama National League South alive.

It was a backs-to-the-wall display by Danny Scopes' beleaguered team who ended the match with reserve keeper Jack West playing up front after David Kawa left the action to join the lengthy list of walking wounded.

Millers were fighting a rearguard for much to the match and had keeper James Holden to thank for a brilliant second minute save to deny Tudors' Kai Brosnan.

At the other end Kawa had a chance for the visitors, but headed over after good work from their latest signing, full back Junior Nkwonta.

However, the traffic was largely one-way and pressure paid on 20 minutes when Brosnan raced through to score.

Millers, who lost Imran Uche to another injury just after the half hour, survived another good chance for Hemel to score when Brandon Barzy missed from close range, and they went in at half time just the one goal behind.

They also rode their luck through the second half's opening stages (which saw Luke Holness replaced by Charlee Hughes) and drew level on 68 minutes when Kawa got on the end of a long-ball and finished adroitly past keeper Jameson Horlick, who has just joined the Tudors on loan from Luton Town.

Two more replacements followed for Millers, with Jaxon Brown on for David Hicks and Adam Leather replacing Nkwonta and that was a prelude for a moment of hope when Hughes slammed the ball home in the 83rd minute but the assistant referee's flag was raised for offside.

West then entered the fray with two minutes of normal time remaining bu and he was able to help his side through nine added minutes to get what was a really creditable point.

It is not likely to save Millers from the drop but nevertheless is recognition of the fighting spirit in the face of adversity.