TERRY Spillane’s first home game in charge of Aveley finished with a 4-1 defeat against Brightlingsea Regent.

A slow start to the second period cost them, as three goals in eight minutes put paid to their chances of a positive result.

It was a fantastic early start for the Millers, with the first goal coming after just three minutes.

George Pullen got the goal as he finished a flowing move. Sherwin Stanley got the attack started, holding up the ball and playing in Arian Retkoceri who in turn fed Pullen and the striker made no mistake.

However, that lead didn’t last long with Brightlingsea drawing parity just three minutes later.

Shamido Pedulu worked his magic in a central area and Phil Kelly smashed home from close range.

Perry Dunn headed wide, with Retkoceri also off target for Spillane’s side.

Taylor Tombides’ strike was cleared off the line as the half came to a close but, despite Aveley’s positive play they fell behind three minutes into the second-half.

From a simple free-kick, Jake Turner headed home at the far post and it was to get worse.

A free-kick was not dealt with and it cannoned off Sherwin Stanley and into his own net with only eight minutes gone in the half.

A truly rotten 12 minutes was completed when Kelly got his second, having smashed home superbly to leave Spillane with a real mountain to climb.

And it remained 4-1.

Thurrock faced a tough ask at high-flying Bury Town, who were sitting third in the Ryman North ahead of kick-off.

Both sides had early chances before Bury took the lead midway through the half, Bradley Barber getting the goal.

Fleet were creating opportunities but couldn’t convert them and the match was wrapped up in the final 10 minutes, with Josh Mayhew netting to make it 2-0.

Phil Weavers was sent off for the hosts in stoppage time but the game was won by that point.

Tilbury drew 1-1 with Bowers & Pitsea as the clash between the two Essex sides ended all square.

Bowers had been short of their excellent start-of-season form in recent times, but were against a Dockers side who themselves had had an excellent start to the season.

And it was the home side that made a barnstorming start to the match, with the opening goal coming after just four minutes.

Kurt Smith scored from 12 yards following a foul in the penalty area but Bowers didn’t have to wait long until they drew level.

A free-kick was fizzed in by James Stevens which was too hot for home goalkeeper Lee Butcher. He failed to collect and Martyn Stokes slid the ball home from close range with just 11 minutes on the clock.

Bowers needed Bobby Mason to make an excellent save as Tilbury looked to crank up the pressure at Chadfields, but the away side were still a danger.

Luke Wilson sent a header over from a set-piece before Shomari Barnwell, heavily linked with a move to Cambridge United, headed inches wide.

Bowers had a golden chance after half-time to make it 2-1 but Brad Warner, usually so clinical in front of goal, couldn’t make the most of the opportunity.

Barnwell fed the striker but, although he rounded the goalkeeper, he shot wide.

Mason made another good save up the other end while Warner had another golden chance to win it but his shot only ruffled the side-netting.