Bill Robinson reports from Mill Field……
In form Horsham were the visitors, unbeaten in their last six games and looking to continue the run. But like all unbeaten runs they eventually come to an end, and thanks to a solid Aveley back four, that stood tall and firm they helped themselves to a third consecutive win adding three more valuable points to their tally.
Aveley started the better of the two sides and quickly took the advantage when they took the lead in the fourth minute. They attacked down the right flank and the ball found Mitch Hahn about 18 yards out on the right his right footed drive from the edge of the box beat the keeper and went into the far corner of the net.
Before Horsham had a chance to recover the Millers should have netted again just two minutes later, when Martin Tuohy drove a shot just millimetres over the bar.
The Millers had the greater possession throughout the opening 30 minutes and nearly scored again in the 17th minute, this time they were awarded a free kick 30 yards out and in a central position, Ryan Edgar was lining up the target but his shot was just to high.
As the half progressed Horsham came more into the game and perhaps against the run of play they got an equaliser, Aveley failed to clear the ball after Horsham’s Alex Haddow drove the ball into the box, it fell kindly for Pat Harding, 8 yards out, his left footed shot was partially saved by keeper Oliver Morris-Sanders but went in off the post.
Horsham kept the pressure on the Aveley defence and just before the break Aveley restored their lead, a break-away out of defence with Mitch Hahn who put a thro ball into Sherwin Stanley who was one on one with the keeper, his shot was saved but the loose ball ran out wide to Martin Tuohy whose shot went in at the far corner of the net.
Both teams tightened up in the second half but the game still flowed end to end, with Aveley Keeper Morris-Sanders using his long kick to set up a number of chances for the Aveley attack.
Horsham manager made some tactical changes trying to get another equaliser but the Aveley back four remained solid and comfortable.
As the half went on Aveley started defending deeper this allowed Horsham to dominate the game. The Millers were now just relying on breaks to attack the Horsham goal.
On a number of occasions they should have capitalised on their chances to secure the win both Che Stadhart and Junior Dadson had opportunities but missed.
Aveley held on for a memorable win much to the pleasure of manager Rod Stringer, who was very upbeat at the end of the match.
Aveley : Oliver Morris-Sanders, Ryan Doyle, Sam Holloway, Nicky Symons, Michael Alaile, Richard Ketchell, Mitch Hahn (Steve Butterworth 90+2), Ryan Edgar, Sherwin Stanley(Che Stadhart 73), Martin Tuohy, Junior Dadson.
Subs not Used : Alex Bentley, David Knight, Darren Quinton.
