Ryman Premier
Aveley 1 v 2 Wingate and Finchley
By Andrew Soul
Aveley slipped to an undeserved defeat in Justin Gardner’s first game in charge. With him, Gardner brought several of his former players to the Aveley squad and half of the side were making their debuts.
Wingate took the lead after 39 minutes thanks to a scrappy own goal from Aveley debutant Ajay Olatunbosun. A free kick from the left was swung over and missed everybody, until it hit the under pressure Olatunbosen seven yards from goal and trickled gently into the unguarded net, after Aveley keeper Adam Rafis had slipped to the ground when the free kick was in flight.
Aveley started the second half in determined fashion and levelled just four minutes after the break when on the counter attack, new boy Billy Holland broke free down the right hand side and crossed from the byline to allow Daniel Francis a three yard tap in.
Aveley continued to look the better side and really should have taken the lead when Olatunbosun nearly made up for his own goal after the Wingate keeper had flapped at a corner kick, but he could only blast over from a few yards when it looked easier to hit the target. That miss was made to be rued when with just 12 minutes left on the clock, a long kick forward caught out the Aveley defence and goalkeeper, who all let the ball bounce, which in turn caused confusion and a rush of blood to the head from the Aveley keeper Adam Rafis, allowing the bustling Wingate No 9, Leon Smith to nip in and tap the ball into an empty net.
The home side desperately pushed for an equaliser and despite the introduction of former Tilbury striker Anton Stephenson and former Thurrock winger Dee Okojie, they were unable to find one.
Photo courtesy of A M Soul images.
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