By Scott Hatley

Maldon & Tiptree 4, Aveley 1

AVELEY's miserable end of season run continued with a 4-1 defeat to Maldon & Tiptree.

Manager Justin Gardner said after he felt “embarrassed” at the final whistle.

The Millers boss has now watched his side suffer five defeats in their six matches in April, as they limp across the finish line.

And for the first time, Gardner said he was “really looking forward to next season.”

With an accident on the A12 causing players and coaching staff to be late to Park Drive, Aveley had very little time to prepare to take on Maldon at the scene of their play-off semi-final defeat last campaign.

And within 10 minutes Maldon capitalised on that lack of preparation as Leon McKenzie lashed home the opener after Ryan Wade’s shot has been blocked.

Lee Weemes equalised for the Millers when former goalkeeper, Jack Giddens, failed to hold onto the striker’s initial effort allowing him to tap home.

But another former Miller restored Maldon’s lead when Junior Appiah poked home with his and Ollie Berquez’s goal before the break sending Maldon into the interval with a two goal lead.

Aveley failed to muster a comeback in the second half with Paul Seymour adding gloss to the score line late on, before Jay Leader was sent off for a second bookable offence in injury time.