Aveley made light work of Tonbridge in their final league game of the season to secure third spot in the league and a semi-final play off spot against Boreham Wood on monday night.
The Millermen need a point to qualify for the play offs and three to secure a home berth for the semi-finals after a truly amazing run in but a sad day for Grays as they leave the New Rec.
Tonight and as previously Thurrock played the better football had the greater possession but simply could not the ball into the net. Many chances were created but the finishing was either poor or saved by the Hampton keeper, Matt Lovett.
Dartford took an early lead through Rob Haworth, quickly wiped out by Ryan Edgar’s sizzling free-kick. An overhead kick by Billy Burgess gave the champions a 2-1 interval lead, only for Stanley to earn Millers a precious point in their play-off bid.
With two home games remaining for Thurrock and the play off chances gone they will be out to play for pride on Tuesday against Hampton & Richmond and next Saturday against Bromley, to end the season.
FIVE games left in nine days. They say it cannot be done but Aveley are still in with a chance of being promoted from the Ryman Premier against all the odds.
But goals by Alex Osborn and a penalty by Jamie Guy secured a real and moral victory for Grays in their third from last game in the Blue Square Premier.
