Mldon's lead at top of Ryman One North cut by Millers - as Grays scooped key win (From Thurrock Gazette)

Maldon & Tiptree held by Aveley in goalless encounter

9:01am Monday 4th March 2013 in Sport

MALDON & Tiptree were held to a goal-less draw by Aveley.

The result saw their lead at the top of the Ryman League division one north cut to eight points as second-placed Grays Athletic won 3-1 against Waltham Forest.

Despite there being no goals at Park Drive it was an exciting game with both sides creating chances.

Aveley’s Michael Bakare headed the ball in the back of the net from a free-kick but the referee pulled play back for an infringement.

Maldon then went on the attack and James Robinson had a shot blocked by the visiting keeper Andre Foster.

Foster then did well to hold Chris Bryan's hard low cross under pressure.

Aveley’s Jordan Cox was proving a handful for the home defence and he got up well to flash a header just wide.

Then Wright was just able to punch the ball off Cox’s head as he looked to nod home.

Maldon & Tiptree responded with Bryan’s quick free-kick releasing Robinson to make an excellent turn before seeing his shot put round his near post by Foster.

Aveley had two good chances to go in front before the break.

Wright made a double save from Bakare then had to dive full length to prevent the same player giving Aveley the lead.

At the start of the second half both keepers needed to make fine saves to keep their sides in the match.

Maldon’s Bryan got a short ball into Robinson who then saw his first time touch turned round the post by Foster before Aveley's Jack Stevenson’s effort was just saved by Wright. Wright then produced the save of the game when he acrobatically stopped Cox’s header going in to the top corner.

Cox was denied twice by Wright before Foster saved well from Maldon’s Bryan.

Home keeper Wright then needed to show his agility to save from Cox after the home side had gifted possession to Bakere.

Wright then did well to hold Holland’s cross when under pressure from Cox. Joe Gardner had two good chances towards the end of the match to snatch a win.

He found his way into the penalty area but his hard shot was well saved by Foster.

Then, when in a good position, he screwed his shot wide.