Mill Field faithful see great Millers display (From Thurrock Gazette)

Aveley too strong for Canvey

9:29am Monday 2nd November 2009 in News

THE Millers were delighted to see a miserable October come to a happy end with home victory over Canvey.

Following promotion as champions from Division One North, Aveley made a bright start to life in the top flight.

But they had come crashing down to earth with demise in both the FA Cup and Trophy being compounded by three straight league defeats.

Against Gulls, however, they bounced back from going 1-0 down to a goal from star visiting striker James Rowe, who latched onto a long clearance from James Russell, to score after 11 minutes.

Millers got back on terms after 29 minutes when Ryan Doyle chased the ball down and scored with a spectacular volley from 20 yards.

And two goals in as many minutes just before the break put the hosts in the driving seat.

Sherwin Stanley’s shot on the turn gave Aveley the lead and ex-Great Wakering Rovers’ striker Martin Tuohy made it 3-1 from Matt Johnson’s cross.

Chances were at a premium after the break although Gabriel Fanibuyan went close for the visitors when he dragged an effort across the face of the goal.

Tuohy made the points safe for the home side when he grabbed his second after good work by Sam Lechmere.

Rowe grabbed a second for the Islanders, but the points went to Aveley who stand 11th in the table, three points in arrears of sixth-placed Gulls from level games.

Aveley assistant manager Eddie Crace, who lives on Canvey and formerly managed island team Concord Rangers, said: “This win has given us a tremendous boost after a miserable month.

“People must remember that playing in the top flight is very much a learning curve for us after gaining promotion.

“What we are looking at is getting to that magic figure of 50 points to ensure staying at this level.

“Make no mistake, Canvey are a good side, particularly if you let them get amongst you attacking-wise.

“But I don’t think too many would argue that we deserved our win today. Having said that, I thought that Canvey had two stonewall penalty decisions turned down while we could have had one as well.”

Both sides now concentrate on Essex Senior Cup third round action with Aveley hosting Brentwood Town tonight and Gulls visiting Blue Square South Braintree Town on Wednesday.