AVELEY got their Ryman Premier season off to a solid, if not spectacular, start with a goalless draw at Horsham.
The Millers started on the front foot and could have taken a ninth minute lead when Sean Francis rose highest to head home Andy Howells’ free kick but was judged to be offside in a close call for the officials.
Ryan Edgar then fizzed a shot just wide of the mark after good build-up play from Howells’ breakaway down the left wing.
Horsham keeper Mark Zawadski was then forced to save low down after Wayne Semanshia’s pull back to the lively Edgar.
But the Millers were fortunate to go into the break level when Tony Russell saved on the line from a deflected shot.
The second half was slow to get going but Edgar was again on hand and fired a difficult header wide of the target after being set up by Abs Thompson’s mazy right wing run.
Allan Tait, just signed from Margate in the week, went close for the home side when he managed to turn the defender but keeper Matt Bennett was equal to the effort.
Horsham ended the game on top and Russell was again on hand to divert the ball behind for a corner from a threatening Hornets ball in.
And in the dying minutes Ben Andrews headed straight at Bennett to ensure the Millers to a point and a firm base to build upon for Monday’s home clash with Folkestone Invicta.
Aveley: Matt Bennett, Wayne Semanshia, Andy Howells, Tony Russell, Sean Francis, Frank Curley, Abs Thompson (Clydie Roberts 77), Danny Slatter, David Knight, Ryan Edgar, Liam Coleman (Steve Bourne 83). Unused Subs: Scott Pethers, Marc Gobel, Lloyd Anderson (gk).
