Aveley 1, Chatham Town 0

AVELEY kept a first clean sheet at home this season and built on that to take all three Isthmian Premier points thanks to a spectacular goal from Francis Mampolo.

It was a first win in the league for recently-appointed manager Alex Akrofi who saw his side dominate the first half but they couldn't convert any of a number of chances.

In previous matches he has seen a similar failing prove costly, but though the visitors did dominate much of the second half, Millers' resolve to turn things around was encapsulated in Mampolo's goal.

It was the classic 'game of two halves'. Aveley were the better in the first and had control of the game, but Chatham dominated the second half.

Inside the first five minutes, Aveley were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. Matty Johnson was pulled down by former football league defender Sid Nelson, but Nelson got away with one on this occasion.

Aveley managed to put work their way into the Chatham final third several times, but the last pass was just not finding Mampolo and Napa in the penalty area.

The second half was the total opposite. Chatham were the team on top throughout the early exchanges and had a glorious chance to go ahead. Tolu Ladapo rounded Jamie Grossart in the Aveley goal, but his effort was cleared off the line by Ellis Bates.

With five minutes left, Millers secured their first win in the league since August. Gio Palmer rolled a pass to Mampolo down the line and he cut inside from the left-hand side and curled a stunning effort into the top corner, a goal worthy of winning any game of football.

Manager Alex Akrofi's post match comments:

Millers have the chance to double up on Monday evening (19 October) when they play host to Maldon and Tiptree.