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Waltham Abbey 0, Aveley 3

ANOTHER fine performance from Millers saw them overcome determined opposition and a swirling wind on Saturday to claim a double for the season over Abbey and three more Ryman Division One North points.

It was also the seventh time in the last ten matches that Millers have kept a clean sheet, with keeper Adam Rafis on course to net his second successive golden gloves award if his team can keep up their mean-spirited efforts in defence.

Waltham made a lively start to the match, though the first clear cut chance fell to Millers after four minutes when Bradley Barnes crossed from right. The ball fizzed across goal where Ryan Doyle and Ben Bradbury just failed to get a decisive touch.

At the other end Abbey's Marc Sontag got through on goal in after eight minutes. He was hotly pursued by John Maskell who produced an excellent timed tackle to get the ball to safety.

Moments later Rafis was brought into the action, sticking out a boot to keep out a Sontag strike after he got on the end of Dennie Webb's cross.

The opening flurry of action concluded with a Nickey Wettner shot and a Sean Francis header, both over the bar.

For a while the game lapsed into a dour midfield battle, with both sides finding it difficult to control the ball in the strong wind and it wasnt until the 33rd minute that there was another chance when abbeys James Elves was picked out by Dan Pages throw but he hooked his shot just wide.

Just before half time Wettner's ball out wide found to Andy Oxby but when he crossed Christian Wheeler was unable to make contact with the goal beckoning.

Aveley made a strong start to the second half and in the opening exchanges Oxby went close before they opened the scoring on 50 minutes.

Wettner's through pass found Oxby who in turn laid it to Leli Bajada and he picked his spot just inside the post from ten yards.

Rafis was called on again on the hour mark, producing a good save to keep out Sontag's volley but in general it was Aveley who held the edge, though they took time to convert their superiority into more goals.

It was sub Ainsley Gasper who made the difference, getting the second on 80 minutes when he sidestepped two defenders before firing home from close range.

And his second came four minutes later, again from close range, after Bradbury's initial shot had rebounded off the post back to him. He crossed the second time and Gasper was on hand for his eleventh goal of the season.

Aveley: Adan Rafis, Sam Holloway, John Maskell, Ryan Doyle (Glen Golby 75), Sean Francis, Nicky Wettner, Ben Bradbury, Christian Wheeler, Andy Oxby (Aisnley Gasper 68), Leli Bajada (Wayne Vaughan 88), Bradley Barnes. Subs not used: Shaz Ahmed, Phil Skelton.

MILLERS' home Ryman League match next Saturday against Potter Bar will be free admittance, the club's annual way of saying thanks to their fans.

Meanwhile holders Aveley are waiting to learn who they will face in the semi-final of the Thames-side Trophy.

They will be at home to either Brimsdown Rovers or Billericay, but their scheduled quarter-final last week was postponed and will now be played on Thursday, March 18.

Ryman Division One North, up to and inc Sat, March 8

4:52pm Sunday 9th March 2008

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