Aveley 1, Enfield 1

MILLERS should have had all the points sewn up at half time after dominating the opening 45 minutes of the Southern League Division One East clash.

They made a great start with Trevor Paul firing them ahead after just nine minutes after exceptional work by Simon Thomas but they wasted a number chances to extend their lead.

The visitors rarely looked a threat, though a blunder by keeper Stuart Crumpen, deputising for the injured Marc Palmer, almost let Enfield in midway through the half. He hesitated on the edge of the box rather than boot the ball way and he was robbed by Kiri Kyprianou. The Enfield striker had the goal at his mercy but delayed his shot as he tried to walk the ball toward the target and, when he did strike it, Kevin Marsden got back to block the ball with his back.

Holding the advantage at the break, Millers would have been optimistic of going on to record a season's first league win but they faded badly in the closing stages of the match as Enfield stepped up the pressure. Crumpen did well to make one save and then Nathan Smith wasted a glorious opportunity, firing high over the bar.

With time ticking down the home fans began to bite fingernails and hope their team would hang on but with seven minutes remaining Kyprianou scrambled the ball home in a goalmouth melee.

It might well have been worse for Millers but for a bad miss from Kyprianou in the closing minute when he shot wide when it seemed easier to score.

Millers are at home on Wednesday to Potters Bar in the Southern League Cup, not away as incorrectly reported in the Thurrock Gazette. Kick-off 7.45pm