THURROCK bounced back from a disappointing weekend defeat to get the better of rivals Aveley on Monday night.

Fleet had been seen off by Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday, as a solitary goal saw them beaten at Ship Lane.

But they responded in strong fashion, with a late, albeit controversial, penalty enough for Mark Stimson’s men to climb back into the play-off places (at the time of press).

The game started in typically feisty fashion, with a flurry of strong challenges although clear-cut chances were few and far between.

Jordan Clark was the most lively player for the visitors, although Millers goalkeeper Lamar Johnson was not unduly tested in the home goal.

Aveley's first chance of the second period could and probably should have brought the opening goal as a fierce corner was whipped in but Perry Dunn’s header was inches off target, clipping the crossbar on the way over.

Back came Fleet, with former Aveley man Michael Pindy well denied by his old team-mate Johnson.

The moment that decided the game arrived with six minutes remaining. Millers man Joe Clark slid in to try and win possession but was deemed to have fouled the player.

And Poole stepped up to fire confidently into the top corner.

Immediately from the restart, Millers forward Jeremiah Maja went down in the penalty area but his claims were waved away to the home fans’ frustration.