Needham Market 3-0 Aveley

From Bloomfields

Ryman One North

 

AVELEY were comfortably beaten by promotion favourites Needham Market as their play-off ambitions took another blow.

The Millers lost 3-0 in what was an even contest in the early stages with both sides showing plenty of attacking intent.

The impressive Petrit Elbi, who has been in fine scoring form of late, was looking lively but was unable to beat the Needham goalkeeper.

Theo Ola and Billy Holland linked up well with the latter heading wide before the home side that broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark, and it was Sam Newson who got the goal.

A neat reverse-pass from the left-hand side was well converted by the striker at the near post to hand the side the advantage at the break, despite a strong response from Aveley in which Alex Stavrinou was denied.

They created a number of opportunities to get back into the match but couldn’t grab a leveler.

The second goal came at a decisive moment, as Millers looked to force an equaliser with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Michael Brothers’ near post cross was met once again by Newson and he headed high beyond James Marrable.

The third goal came courtesy of Aveley man Matty Bakare who unwillingly tapped past his own stopper Marrable to give Needham the three points.

George Essuman was sent off in the dying embers for Aveley, but the game was already lost.

Aveley: Marrable, Bakare, Knott, Baker, Essuman, Deen, Ola, Holland, Elbi, Stevenson, Stavrinou