KURT SMITH’S 65th minute header was enough to seal a welcome three points for the Millers on their travels at Harrow Borough.
Ryan Watts had levelled for the home side two minutes earlier, cancelling out Orlando Smith’s opener after 10 minutes.
Former Redbridge keeper Dave McCartney made his Aveley debut, as well as right back Jonathan Darby, signing from Bedford Town.
It was a cagey opening for the Millers as McCartney was forced to make an early save from Kurt Murlese.
But with their first real effort of the match the visitors took the lead.
Orlando Smith received the ball wide on the right, managing to junk his way past several Harrow defenders before unleashing a curling left footed strike past Nick Jupp in the home goal.
The Millers looked bright and on several occasions had the Harrow defence chasing as Jupp denied Aveley a second, just getting to Kurt Smith’s teasing cross with Abs Thompson ready to slot home.
After the break the visitors almost doubled their lead as Anthony Acheampong’s close range shot was blocked on the line by Jupp, with the Harrow goal living a very charmed life.
But Acheapong, dual registered with Blue Square South side Welling was in the thick of the action at the other end, leading to Boro’s equaliser.
A relatively simple cross looked easy to deal with between the centre half and McCartney but both dithered clearing the ball.
It fell to a surprised Ryan Watts who gratefully slotted home into an empty net to leave the Millers dumbfounded.
The score didn’t remain 1-1 for long though, as home skipper Danny McGonigle gave away a foul just to the left of the box and Ben Billings delivery in found the head of Kurt Smith who headed in to give the visitors an instant response.
Harrow had their chances to draw level again with McGonigle missing two great chances and Rocky Baptiste firing tamely at McCartney.
McCartney was in inspired form as it looked extremely likely that the hosts would pick up a point when Watts raced clear of the Millers defence only for the brave McCartney to come out and collect.
Kurt Smith could have sealed the win in time added on but after finding himself one-on-one with the keeper he selfishly decided to square the ball to late sub David Knight, only for David Ijaha to get back and deflect the ball behind for a corner.
But Aveley managed to secure their first away win of the season to help ease their early season worries.
Aveley: McCartney, Darby, Howell, Acheapong, Francis, Quinton, O Smith, Slatter (Stanley 48), K Smith, Thompson (Knight 90), Billings (Luke Coleman 84).
Subs not used: Brown, Bennett (gk)
Att: 101
