Aveley 2-2 VCD Athletic

(Jaffa 43’, 50’: Butler 63’ (p), 89’ (p))

From Mill Field

Ryman North

A BRACE of penalties saw Aveley pegged back as their play-off tilt took a big hit against VCD Athletic on Friday night.

A Hussain Jaffa brace had put the hosts 2-0 up but two Richard Butler penalties ensured the Kent outfit went home with a point.

After an early substitution, with Tommy Spillane withdrawn through injury, VCD had the best early chance.

Goalkeeper Lamar Johnson made a fine save with his legs to keep the Millers level, but the home side had an even better chance later in the half.

Neat interplay between Ross Gleed and Harry Gibbs saw the later shoot narrowly over the bar when well placed.

Gibbs saw another effort saved but the Millers were to take the lead two minutes before half-time.

A corner dropped to Hussain Jaffa and his header rocketed into the corner.

And it was a case of deja-vu shortly into the second-half, with the same man nodding in another set-piece.

Billy Coyne and Jordan Peart threatened a third and failure to get it proved costly.

Johnson fouled Victor Caicedo and Butler drove well into the corner from 12 yards.

The pressure grew on the home defence although it looked as though Aveley would hold out.

But, two minutes from time, Rashid Kamara went down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Butler stepped up and made no mistake to send the home fans home disgruntled and Aveley six points off the play-offs.