Aveley 2-1 Tilbury

(Newby 9', Maja 33': Norton 7')

From Mill Field

Ryman North

AVELEY boosted their Ryman North play-off chances as the came from behind to beat local rivals Tilbury 2-1.

Danny Norton handed the visitors an early lead, but Kris Newby got the Millers on level terms just two minutes later.

Jeremiah Maja grabbed the winner 12 minutes before the break to close the gap on fifth-placed Cheshunt to six points.

The opener originally went down as an own goal from Millers defender Tommy Spillane, but the goal was later given to Norton.

The hosts equalised within two minutes through, as Newby found a way past Dockers goalkeeper Louis Hawes.

Aveley upped the pressure on their opponents, and caused a few mix-ups in the Tilbury penalty area.

And the Millers turned the game on its head as another mix-up in the Tilbury defence left Maja to nip in and poke the ball into the net from 18 yards via the post.

Mason Bloomfield, who has been in good form in front of goal this season, beat the offside trap but his effort was saved by Hawes' legs.

Tilbury missed out on the chance to draw level as Gary Henty's side hit the post just after half time.

The Dockers thought they had grabbed an equaliser midway through the second half as they felt the ball found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out as the officials decided the ball had already gone behind for a corner.

Both sides put dangerous balls into the penalty area, but failed to take advantage.

Maja, who was named man of the match at full time, had a late appeal for a penalty turned down, but Aveley held on for three points.

Tilbury: Hawes, Mead, Conway, Pooley, Nightingill (Singh 67'), Norton, Francis, Carlile, Smith, Melaugh (Jaggs 32'), Hewitt (Richmond 76')