Larry Blunden's first goal of the season brought much relief to Aveley because it finally ended the stubborn challenge of FA Vase opponents from the Combined Counties League.

The superb strike by the substitute on Saturday in the second period of extra-time was somewhat out of keeping in what had gone on during the previous 108 minutes.

Millers found it hard to break down Farnham's packed defence and when an opportunity did arise the finishing wasn't what one might have expected from a side riding high in Ryman Three.

In fact it was one of those games in which you felt that no matter how long the time span, little likelihood of a goal arising.

However, Blunden, who had replaced Ian Gredley after 82 minutes, suddenly struck the ball from 25 yards out and arrowing in to the top right-hand corner of Chris Edmunds' goal.

Farnham, who lie midway in their league, did have moments of fortune, notably in the closing seconds of the first period of normal time when Jamie Reilly hit a post after Edmunds had fumbled Steve Mosely's free-kick.

The substitute referee, Nick Wyatt - who had replaced calf-strain victim Steve Creighton after 75 minutes - also let Farnham off the hook in extra-time.

Another one of the Aveley subs, Arron Wright had burst hrough and was on the point of scoring when the official blew for the end of he first period.

Farnham seemed content to hope for a breakaway or an Aveley mistake and it was from the latter that they did get a chance after 18 minutes. Ben Cooper gathered Tony Leary's back header, but the ever-reliable Billy Goldstone was able to get a touch on the ball to clear the danger.

So all-in-all a bit of a struggle for Millers and if they are to improve on what has not been much of a record in the Vase in recent seasons, a clear need to sharpen up a bit.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.