BY Liv Caferoglu
AVELEY boss Justin Gardner felt his side were "a bit robbed" during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Essex rivals Witham Town.
Aveley stayed third in the Ryman Isthmian Division One North thanks to Daniel McCullock’s late goal, but the Millers had led their opponents 1-0 and fell behind controversially as Tim Monsheju’s effort seemed to be preceded by a foul on Abs Seymour, which went unpunished.
"I feel a bit robbed. I haven’t criticised referees this season, but our players were brought down, there were lots of offsides …," the manager said.
"We deserved to win, it’s two points dropped, but we were away from home and you’ve got to be a bit positive, really.
"We play football on the floor, we score a lot of goals but we need to be set up at the back if we want to achieve anything.
"Predominantly my teams play football the right way."
Gardner was linked with an exit from Aveley over the summer but ultimately stayed put to become the league’s longest-serving boss.
A new stadium is expected to open its doors in July, four months later than originally planned, and the former Bethnal Green United man is keen for the move to inject much-needed funds into his club.
"To be honest, financially we’re lucky to survive in the league," he added.
"Every season I punch above my weight. The club give me a target and I achieve it every season.
"Due to the players I have around me, my management, I’m able to achieve much more than I’m supposed to achieve.
"I believe we can get promoted. We are punching way above our weight, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and long may it continue. We’re a small club with a big heart."
Aveley host Thurrock on Tuesday evening in a local derby that pitches Gardner’s troops against the season’s under-achievers, given their superior budget.
The coach continued: "To show the difference in terms of finances, Thurrock’s budget is six, seven times ours.
"We go into the game with no fear, these games are the ones we want to be involved in."
