National League South
Weston-super-Mare 4 v 1 Aveley
AS most pundits predicted, Aveley found the challenge of a trip to high-flying Weston too much to cope with, but they did give their hosts – who now top the table and have an FA Cup first round tie with Bristol Rovers to look forward to – a scare by taking the lead reports Thurrock Nub News.
The Seagulls are now unbeaten in 16 matches, a statistic which shows the magnitude of the task faced by Millers but they did make a decent start and were competitive throughout the first half.
They weathered some early pressure from their hosts, with keeper Carey Bloedorn making a good save from Sam Pearson, and Millers then went closest to breaking the deadlock when a well-executed corner ended up with the ball being played to Manny Ogunrinde, but he blazed over from close-range.
But, just a few minutes later, Millers took the lead following good link-up play from Ibby Akanbi and Ogunrinde that found Tyrese Owen six yards out, and he had the simple task of stroking the ball home to delight the travelling Millers fans who were delighted to celebrate a 17th minute opener.
The goal spurred Weston to increase their efforts and it was a bit of a backs to the wall from then on for Aveley. Bloedorn again denied the lively Pearson, and in a moment of Millers attacking, Max Harris had to move quickly to keep out an effort from Josh Anifowose.
Reuben Reid then looked poised to equalise, but his shot on target was miraculously cleared off the line by Jason Ring, and Nick McCootie fired just over with a left-footed volley from Billy Kirkman’s cross.
However, the pressure told on 40 minutes when Weston grabbed the equaliser as Luke Coulson’s perfect delivery from the right was swept home by Pearson from around eight yards out.
The Seagulls came out for the second-half in determined fashion, and Bloedorn did magnificently to tip over another ferocious strike from McCootie. From the corner, Keiran Thomas headed just wide.
