Aveley 0-2 Thurrock

From Mill Field

Ryman One North

THURROCK secured second place in the Ryman One North as they warmed up for the play-offs with an impressive 2-0 win over rivals Aveley.

Goals from Ross Gleed and Moshood Olafunmishe set up a play-off semi-final date with AFC Hornchurch at Ship Lane on Wednesday.

Aveley have been in terrific form in recent weeks and were seven unbeaten heading into the final match of the season against Fleet, who themselves needed all three points.

Thurrock were ahead of Harlow Town on just goal difference heading into the match but wanted a second-place finish to secure a potential play-off final home tie.

The opening goal came after 10 minutes and it was slightly fortuitous. Gleed floated a free-kick to the far post but it beat everyone including Aveley goalkeeper James Marrable and crept inside the far post.

Fleet stopper Connor Wheatley was needed to tip away Michael Pindy and David Fallah’s efforts but Aveley were struggling to find the rhythm they had shown in recent weeks.

And Thurrock doubled their lead somewhat against the run of play.

Olafunmishe jumped highest from a corner and headed into the net.

Into the second half, Wheatley was called into action with a terrific double save although there was little to separate the sides as the half wore on.

And it was Thurrock that took the points and second, as Harlow beat AFC Sudbury 1-0.

Aveley: Marrable, Dunn, Yala, Coyne, Okwera, Edwards, Fallah, Olliwatimilenhin (Rene), Tobon (Asante), Pindy (Gibbs), Seymour

Thurrock: Wheatley, Gleed, O’Donoghue (Kiangebeni), Sinclair, Goode (Brocklebank), G Winn, Baker, Olafunmishe, R Winn, Francis (Creed), Wall