Uxbridge 1, Aveley 1

RESHAPED because of injury and suspension, Aveley gave a debut to Richard Thomas after snapping up the midfielder who was released by Ryman Premier League East Thurrock United.

And they came back from fellow struggler Uxbridge with a hard-fought and deserved point that helps them edge ever near mid-table and safety.

Millers were missing John Purches and Bradley Barnes because of injury and Donovan Wilson because of suspension, though they were boosted by the return of veteran striker Tommy Lee, whose aggressive presence up front has been missed in recent matches.

Surprisingly, in a first half of many chances the match remained goaless. Uxbridge has set the tone, winning a corner in the first minute from which Mick Swaysland headed over.

Aveley's best chance in the first half came from Jon Nesling who saw his free-kick saved by John Peacock.

In the closing stages of the half Millers keeper Mark Hardingham, who continued to keep the green shirt ahead of Marc Palmer, did well to keep out Stuart Lake's and then he saved at the feet of Swaysland.

The second half started brightly for Aveley and their pressure eventually lead to the opening goal on 57 minutes, Steve Pashley headining home Jon Nesling's corner.

The lead lasted just 10 minutes with Uxbridge drawing level with a pristine finish from Stuart Lake who had been set up by John Swift's cross.

In the closing stages Uxbridge came closest to taking all the points with Swaysland just failing to finish off Adrian Dinham's cross and Darren Whittock seeing his claims for a penalty after his shot was blocked waved away.

Keith Day's men take a break from the league in midweek and on Tuesday start out in defence of the Thames-side Trophy with a tricky opening tie at Ryman Premier League strugglers Maldon.