By Scott Hatley

 

Aveley showed a stubborn rear-guard action that had been missing in recent matches to surprise Soham Town Rangers in a 2-1 win at Mill Field.

Having lost back to back matches to fellow promotion chasers VCD Athletic and Witham, going behind after seven minutes through Buster Harradine’s tap in wasn’t the ideal of start.

However, Justin Gardner’s side reacted well, equalising three minutes later against second placed Soham through Paul Burnett's long-range strike.

The second half was only three minutes old before Aveley took the lead.

Recent signing Lee Weemes got in front of defender Ryan Sharman to smash home at the near post.

Having released Jack Giddens earlier in the week, Kalin Artakiev made his Aveley debut in goal and had a nervy first 45 minutes, but more than made up for it with his second half display with a string of impressive saves.

For much of the second half it was backs against the wall for Aveley as Harradine, Luke Stanley, Sharman and Connor Wood all had efforts saved by the big Bulgarian ‘keeper.

Millers defenders also rose to the challenge with Sam Holloway heading a Harradine effort off the line late on as Aveley claimed a valuable three points.