Aveley 2

Tilbury 0

NON LEAGUE: TWO vital saves from Jack Giddens helped Aveley secure a hard fought victory over local rivals Tilbury at Mill Field.

With Justin Gardner’s Millers facing four games in eight days it was imperative his side kept their forward momentum going following wins against Wroxham, Chatham and Brentwood.

But they had to weather a bit of a storm from a Dockers side still smarting from their 4-2 defeat at Wroxham 48 hours previously.

Mitchell Gilbey spurned glorious opportunities for Tilbury in both halves and the visitors were eventually made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal. And it was one of their former players, Lee Weemes, who broke the deadlock striking across goal to beat James Marrable with Ryan Blackman only able to help the ball across the line.

Giddens then made a brave save at the feet of Gilbey to keep the Millers in front, which was swiftly followed by the vital second for Aveley scored by Nathan Koranteng on the counter attack.

Birthday-boy Giddens then made an even better save to keep out Sam West from yards out.

The save guaranteed a clean sheet and the Millers’ fourth straight league win of the season. For all the borough's non league see Thursday's THURROCK GAZETTE