THE OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME OF FOOTBALL CLUB PARKLIFE MON 19TH OCT 2020 | PITCHING IN NORTH AVELEY vs AVELEY FOOTBALL CLUB PARKSIDE, PARK LANE, AVELEY, , RM15 4PX TELEPHONE: 07516 934890 | www.pitchero.com/clubs/aveley FULL MEMBERS OF AFFILIATED TO ESSEX COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEMBERES OF THE ISTHMIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

AVELEY FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED (INCORPORATED MARCH 2014) COMPANY NUMBER 08943550 VAT REGISTERED DIRECTORS: Graham Gennings, Craig Johnson, Alan Suttling, Lynn Johnson, Gerry Daly PATRONS: Phil Hunter, Ken Sutliff, Alan Suttling

PRESIDENT: Ken Clay

CHAIRMAN: Graham Gennings, 07801 356451 | [email protected]

VICE CHAIRMAN: Alan Suttling, 01375 400741

CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Craig Johnson, 07946 438540 [email protected]

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER: Lynn Johnson, [email protected]

MATCH SECRETARY: Brian Mansbridge

MARKETING & PRESS : Jamie Manktelow, [email protected]

OFFICIAL CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER: Kevin Lamb, lambpix.co.uk

COMMERCIAL MANAGER: Vacant Position - please contact if interested

Important Club Notes: The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.” (The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it 020 7253 0162).The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.

Aveley Football Club accepts no liability for accidents to visitors, damage to vehicles or loss of contents whilst in the grounds or it's precincts. The floodlighting towers carry a high voltage and therefore can be dangerous to anyone attempting to climb them. WELCOME TO PARKSIDE

Good evening, and a warm welcome back to Parkside for tonight’s local derby under lights, for only our third game in nine this season to be played here.

I am pleased to be able to welcome the Players, Officials and supporters of Tilbury Football Club who have made the short journey along the A13 to join us. Also, I bid a warm welcome to tonight’s Match Officials who we hope have a good game and have a safe journey home.

Finally, we have a game here, only our third of nine this season, but strangely we have only played two Saturday’s at home since the turn of January 2020. That has got to be some kind of record!

Two FA competitions, over the past seven days, both away taking our tally to 13 of the last 15 draws in 2 seasons being away from home. Surely again some record.

At last though this afternoon’s draw for the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy has given us a home tie. Albeit I think we only got that due to an administrative error putting last Saturday’s opponents through, and the computer thinking we were out of the competition!!

So, after our penalty drama of Saturday, when every player on the field at full time took one, we are rewarded with a home tie against Southern League Premier Central Division (Step 3) Beaconsfield Town, on Saturday week (31st October). You might remember they were our FA Cup opponents here 2 seasons ago, under the guise of Beaconsfield SYCOB. The score that day saw our visitors take a narrow 2-1 win home.

Last Tuesday saw our FA Cup exploits come to an end when we lost a very close game (2-0) at Cray Valley, with an injury time goal making the scoreline a little flattering for our hosts. Their reward is an away tie (no surprise there) to Maidenhead United in the final qualifying round. A tough ask for them, but I am sure they will cause the National League side a few problems.

Talking of which, as the country is getting plagued more and more by this awful virus, it is good to see that we are still being allowed spectators at our level. I urge you all to keep socially distanced and adhere to clubs’ protocols at all times. We need to keep non-league football alive and healthy, along with all those that support the game at this level.

With that in mind, I hope we are given an entertaining 90 minutes by all those involved and return to watch the Millers this Saturday when Town are our visitors.

Take Care & Stay Safe Craig Johnson YOUR 2020/21 MILLERS GOALKEEPERS:

DAVID HUGHES GOALKEEPER SPONSORED BY: LENNY MCDOUGALL

DEFENDERS:

JASON RING HARRY GIBBS RIGHT BACK CENTRAL DEFENDER SPONSORED BY: GERRY DALY SPONSORED BY: THE BLUES BROTHERS

STEVE SHEEHAN GEORGE ALLEN CENTRAL DEFENDER CENTRAL DEFENDER SPONSORED BY: ALAN SUTTLING SPONSORED BY: THERE'S ONLY ONE REGGIE HARRIS

JACK MOCHALSKI GEORGE WINN CENTRAL DEFENDER LEFT BACK SPONSORED BY: BESPOKE LOGISTICS SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

MIDFIELDERS:

HARRY DONOVAN CONNOR WITHERSPOON CENTRAL MIDFIELDER CENTRAL MIDFIELDER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE SPONSORED BY: CHARLIE GENNINGS

JAMES GOODE FREDDIE GARD CENTRAL MIDFIELDER ATTACKING MIDFIELDER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE SPONSORED BY: GEORGE GENNINGS

JACK CHAWNER MITCHELL GILBEY CENTRAL MIDFIELDER ATTACKING MIDFIELDER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE YOUR 2020/21 MILLERS

ALEX CLARK ATTACKING MIDFIELDER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

FORWARDS:

EMMANUEL OGUNRINDE GEORGE SYKES STRIKER STRIKER SPONSORED BY: COLIN MUNFORD SPONSORED BY: BILLY BRENNAN

BRADLEY SACH STRIKER SPONSORED BY: THE GODFREY FAMILY

FIRST TEAM STAFF:

KEITH ROWLAND JOHN COVENTRY MANAGER SPONSORED BY: NEIL LEVETT SPONSORED BY: STEVE MUNFORD

JOHN WITHAM RICKY JUDD GOALKEEPING COACH KIT MAN SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE SPONSORSED BY WWW.KNIGHTGROUP.CO.UK

EVAN MARLOW STEVE MADDEN PHYSIO PHYSIO SPONSORED BY: SONS OF AVELEY SPONSORED BY: SONS OF AVELEY

Sponsor your favourite player contact [email protected] player stats

To sponsor your favourite player contact [email protected] pitching in isthmian north table pitching in isthmian north fixtures TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER: vs cogeshall town WEDNESDAY 21st OCTOBER: afc sudbury vs bury town CAMBRIDGE CITY VS felixstowe & walton united SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER: afc sudbury vs brentwood town aveley vs witham town cambridge city vs grays athletic canvey island vs soham town rangers dereham town vs town felixstowe & walton united vs hullbridge sports great wakering rovers vs histon heybridge swifts vs united romford vs & tiptree tilbury vs bury town TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER: basildon united vs canvey island brentwood town vs cambridge city bury town vs felixstowe & walton united coggeshall town vs Aveley histon vs romford hullbridge sports vs dereham town maldon & tiptree vs tilbury soham town rangers vs afc sudbury witham town vs heybridge swifts aveley fc reserves essex senior reserve league:

upcoming aveley reserve games: 23rd OCT: AVELEY vs witham town - 7.45PM KICK OFF 31st OCT: AVELEY vs White Ensign - 2PM KICK OFF 6th nov: aveley vs tower hamlets - 7.45pm kick off

isthmian north - matchday #3 05/10/2020 0-1

The Millers suffered their first defeat of the season as Andy Freeman’s second half strike against his former side was enough to see off the hosts.

After a goalless first half, Freeman slotted past the onrushing David Hughes in the Aveley goal in the 63rd minute and though the Millers pushed for a late leveller with positive contributions from substitutes Alex Clark, Manny Ogunrinde and Freddie Gard, they came up short.

Manager Keith Rowland made two changes to the side which won 3-0 at Brantham Athletic at the weekend with George Winn and Harry Donovan starting in place of Jack Mochalski and Freddie Gard respectively, while James Goode returned to the matchday squad following suspension.

Brentwood included several former Millers in their matchday squad, including Freeman, James Love, Robbie Rees, Shad Ngandu and Sam Bantick, while Connor Hogan was named on the bench.

The first half proved to be a cagey affair, with neither of these sides keen to make an error or hand the other team the initiative in what would be an early indication of how the two sides will fare this season.Neither goalkeeper was tested until 20 minutes in when Millers custodian Hughes was forced to tip over Freeman’s strike, and the resultant corner came to nothing.For the hosts, Mitchell Gilbey was bundled over in the box by Rob Swaine, but referee Rhys Battye waved away optimistic penalty appeals.

Freeman proved to be a thorn in his former side all night, and from a free kick lofted into the box he saw his header cleared off the line by an alert Jason Ring at the back post.

As the half drew to a close, the Millers almost broke the deadlock when Wyan Reid’s free kick was nodded goalwards on the stretch by Steve Sheehan, however the effort was off target and the scores remained goalless at the break.

Half time | Aveley 0-0 Brentwood Town.

Neither side made changes at the break and it was the hosts who created the first opening of the second period. isthmian north - matchday #3 05/10/2020 0-1

Mitchell Gilbey’s inswinging free kick just evaded the advances of the Millers attackers and it drifted just wide of Edwards’ goal.As the game wore on, you could tell the game was likely to be decided by a single goal, and that came in the 63rd minute.

Confusion in the middle of the park between Gilbey and Donovan presented Brentwood with the opportunity to break forward.

The ball found its way to Freeman who shrugged off the Millers backline and coolly slotted underneath an advancing Hughes, much to the delight of the travelling Brentwood contingent.

The goal triggered both sides into advancing further forward, and Donovan thought he had levelled matters just five minutes later. He raced on to a Ring throughball and slotted past Edwards, only for the linesman to raise his flag and rule the effort out for offside.

Rowland rung the changes as Ogunrinde and Gard entered the fray in place of George Sykes and Bradley Sach, and that started an upturn in fortunes for the hosts who produced much more in the final third.

Whatever the Millers threw at experienced goalkeeper Edwards though, he was able to repel, and that included a Gard effort from distance as the game entered the closing stages.Ogunrinde was then presented with an opportunity, but Edwards remained tall and came out to block the shot.

Alex Clark was another to try his luck from range, but his effort fell just wide of the target and as the game entered stoppage time Ogunrinde saw another strike blocked by a resilient Brentwood backline.

Aveley XI | David Hughes, Jason Ring, George Winn, Connor Witherspoon, Harry Gibbs, Steve Sheehan, Wyan Reid (Alex Clark 82’), Harry Donovan, George Sykes (Manny Ogunrinde 68’), Bradley Sach (Freddie Gard 68’).

Unused substitutes | Jack Mochalski, James Goode.

Brentwood Town XI | , Jake Gould, Andy Freeman, James Love, Rob Swaine, Josh Gray, Robbie Rees, Rob Harvey, Wilberforce Ocran (Joe Wicks 88’), Sam Bantick (Jack Dickinson 78’).

Unused substitutes | Connor Hogan, Kudus Oyenuga, Ollie Bowles. isthmian north - matchday #3 05/10/2020 0-1 isthmian north - matchday #3 05/10/2020 0-1

isthmian north - matchday #4 10/10/2020 a-a isthmian north - matchday #4 10/10/2020 A-A EMIRATES FA CUP - third QUALIFYING ROUND 13/10/2020 2-0

The Millers traveled to fellow Millers in the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round as two Isthmian clubs went head to head to make it to the Fourth Qualifying Round, one round away from the First Round Proper. Before the game, Mitch Gilbey had to pull out, and central defender George Allen come into the team which changed our formation.

Despite the change of formation, we started really well, ball after ball was going into the Cray Valley PM penalty area which was all defended well. Harry Donovan had an effort and was clipped as he did, there were shouts for a penalty but it was turned down.

The hosts grew into the game and used their blistering pace upfront to get in behind, covering tackles from George Allen, Harry Gibbs and Steve Sheehan denied Cray Valley any chances in the opening 25 minutes.The Millers had another penalty shout as the ball struck the Cray Valley defender on the arm, his arm was raised in the box and the ball struck it, resulting in the ball being diverted away from George Sykes in the box, the ball went out for a corner which was well defended again.

We continued to dominate and push for the opening goal, George Allen connected sweetly to a volley that was well blocked, Harry Donovan then saw his effort blocked and moments later George Sykes struck towards goal but his follow-through caught Ashley Sains who went down.

After those glut of chances, Cray Valley started to create half-chances, Kieran McCann raced down our left-hand side, but for a superb recovery challenge by Connor Witherspoon, the hosts could've taken the lead.

We had the best chance of the first half at the end which landed to Alex Clark, he was at a slight angle at goal, fired with his left foot but fired it an inch wide of the left-hand post.

Half Time | Cray Valley PM 0-0 Aveley.

We had our chance of the game a minute into the second half, this time the Cray Valley keeper had his one and only of the game, as he got down well to finger-tip a left- footed shot from Alex Clark. The resulting corner came to nothing. EMIRATES FA CUP - third QUALIFYING ROUND 13/10/2020 2-0

Moments after that chance we found ourselves behind, a counter-attack was well worked down our left-hand side, the ball was pulled back to Ade Yussuf who slammed home, a clinical finish with Hughes having no chance to save it. Cray Valley 1-0 Aveley.

Alex Clark had a chance from 25-yards from a free-kick but he curled it just over the crossbar. A long throw into the box found Steve Sheehan he had a shot which clearly hit an arm on the balls way towards the goal, but it was two-foot away, VAR probably a penalty but it would've been harsh in the shoe was on the other foot.

With twenty minutes to go, it was all Aveley with corner after corner and long throw after long throw, but the ball just wouldn't fall to us in the box as Cray Valley remained resilient at the back.

We brought on Bradley Sach and Manny Ogunrinde to throw the kitchen sink to grab an equaliser to force penalties, but it just didn't come. The hosts counter-attacked us when we were throwing bodies forward, a great ball down our left-hand side was then cut back to the back stick and Ade Yussuf connected to find the roof of the net to finish the game off. Cray Valley PM 2-0 Aveley.

Full Time | Cray Valley PM 2-0 Aveley.

Millers XI | David Hughes, Jason Ring, George Winn (Manny Ogunrinde 72), Connor Witherspoon (Bradley Sach 80), Harry Gibbs, Steve Sheehan, Alex Clark, Harry Donovan, George Sykes, James Goode, George Allen.

Unused subs | Freddie Gard, Mitchell Gilbey, Jack Mochalski.

Cray Valley PM XI | Andrew Walker, Connor Dymond, Liam Hickey, Ashley Sains, Ali Tumkaya, Denzel Gayle (Ryan King-Elliot 84), Ade Adeyemo (Matthew Warren 70), Francis Babalola, Hassan Ibrahiym, Ade Yussuf.

Unused subs | Daniel Smith, Oliver Farmer, Joe Docherty, Harry Thomas. EMIRATES FA CUP - third QUALIFYING ROUND 13/10/2020 2-0 EMIRATES FA CUP - third QUALIFYING ROUND 13/10/2020 2-0 tilbury club history

Tilbury Football Club is a football club based in Tilbury, , . They are currently members of the Isthmian League North Division and play at Chadfields.

The club was established in 1889 by workers from Tilbury Docks. They joined the League, later becoming members of the Grays & District League and then the Romford & District League. After returning to the Grays & District League, the club were league champions in 1901–02, 1902–03, 1906–07 and 1907–08. In 1903 they had also started playing in the South Essex League; the club were Division Two champions in the South Essex League in 1921–22, and went on to win the league championship in 1922–23 and 1924–25. After finishing as runners-up in the league in 1926–27, they moved up to Division One of the Kent League.

In 1931 Tilbury transferred to the Premier Division of the League. At the start of World War II, the club joined the South Essex Combination, but temporarily disbanded at the end of the 1939–40 season after their ground was commandeered by the army. Upon resuming play at the end of the war, they were Premier Division runners-up in 1946–47 and 1947–48, and again in 1949–50, a season that saw the club reach the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time after playing nine qualifying matches. Drawn away to Third Division South club Notts County in the first round, they lost 4–0.

The club then switched to the Corinthian League, in which they played for seven seasons before returning to the London League in 1957. They were London League champions and winners in 1958–59 and went on to retain the title for the next three seasons, as well as winning the League Cup again in 1960–61 and 1961–62.

After their fourth title win, the club joined the Delphian League but the 1962–63 league season had to be abandoned due to extensive adverse weather conditions and the league then folded, leading to the club (and most of the rest of the Delphian League) becoming members of the new Division Two of the .

Tilbury won the Division Two title at the first attempt, earning promotion to Division One. They went on to win the Division One title in 1968–69 and were promoted to the Premier Division. Following a third-place finish in the Premier Division in 1972–73, the club joined the newly formed Division Two of the Isthmian League. They won the division in 1975–76 and were promoted to Division One, which was renamed the Premier Division in 1977.

In 1977–78 the club reached the FA Cup first round again; after defeating Kettering Town 3–2 in a second replay (the first match was declared null and void as Tilbury had used an ineligible player), they went on to beat Nuneaton Borough 2–1 in the second round, before being drawn away to Second Division Stoke City in the third round, a match they lost 4–0. tilbury club history

In 1979–80 Tilbury finished bottom of the Isthmian League's Premier Division and were relegated to Division One. At the end of the 1986–87 season they were relegated to Division Two North, where they played until being transferred to Division Three in 1991 as a result of league reorganisation.

The 1991–92 season saw the club finish third in Division Three, earning promotion to Division Two. Although they were relegated back to Division Three at the end of the 1997– 98 season, another third-place finish in 1999–2000 saw the club promoted to Division Two again. League reorganisation led to the club being moved in to Division One North in 2002. They were subsequently transferred to Division One East of the Southern League for the 2004–05 season, in which they finished bottom of the table, resulting in relegation to the Essex Senior League.

Tilbury finished third in their first season in the Essex Senior League and were promoted back to Division One North of the Isthmian League.[6] A third-place finish in Division One North in 2011–12 saw them qualify for the promotion play-offs, in which they lost 4–3 to Needham Market in the semi-finals.

Ground: The club played on several different grounds in their early years, including the Green & Siley Weir ground, Daisy Field and at , before returning to the Green & Siley Weir ground in 1900. After World War I they moved to the Orient Field, a ground owned by one of the directors of Clapton Orient. During World War II the ground was commandeered by the Army for anti-aircraft guns being used to protect the docks.

After the war, the club were told that they could only return to the Orient Field if they agreed to become a feeder club for Orient. After refusing, the club moved to an adjacent site named Chadfields in 1947, which had previously been used as a greyhound racing track. In the first year at the new ground, a small grandstand was built on the east side and basic terracing was installed. The ground's record attendance of 5,500 was set for the FA Cup fourth qualifying round match against Gorleston that the club won to set up their first round tie with Notts County in the 1949–50 season. The money raised from the cup , together with the sale of Tommy Scannell to Southend United, enabled the club to buy the site. A clubhouse was built in 1958 and floodlights were erected in 1966.

In 1970 the original grandstand was replaced with a two-level concrete stand with dressing rooms on the ground floor and a spectator area. Another seated stand was built on the west side of the pitch in 1996, replacing three separate covered areas and five steps of terracing.

Hashtag United also played at Chadfields in 2019–20, with Brimsdown becoming tenants for 2020–21. tilbury player profiles

HARRY GIRLING: Goalkeeper. 22 years old. Signed for the Dockers in August 2020 from Premier side Cheshunt. Harry caught the eye with some spectacular saves in the three seasons he has was with the club. Was a signed professional with Millwall.

JOE TURPIN: Defender. 22 years old. Returned to the club in March 2020 from Basildon United. In his previous spell with the club, he was closing in on 50 appearances. ELJAY WORRELL: Defender. 30 years old. Re-joined the club after being player of the year in 2012. Has years of Isthmian League experience with Grays Athletic, Great Wakering, Basildon United and Redbridge. Can be a dangerous player moving up the pitch. Has played over 50 times for the club. DARREN PHILLIPS: Defender. 21 years old. Re-signed by the Dockers after a short stay at Basildon United and Canvey. Initially signed from Basildon United in November 18. Experience at East Thurrock, Burnham Ramblers and Basildon Town. RYAN BOSWELL: Defender. 24 years old. Joined the club in September 2018 from Bowers & . Has Isthmian experience at Romford and East Thurrock United. A calming influence at the back and an ever present name on the team sheet. LEE BURNS: Defender. 38 years old. Joined from East Thurrock United in November 2019. Vastly experienced defender who has played over 750 games at the higher end of non league. Is now club captain JOHNNY COYTE: Defender. 17 years old. A product of the Under 18's side and has had an impressive pre season. RYAN MALLETT: Defender/Midfield. 22 years old. Joined from Barking In October 2019. Almost ever present for Brentwood Town in 2018/19. A versatile player who reads the game well. Returning from injury LEWIS SMITH: Midfield. 30 years old. Re-joined the club for the second time from East Thurrock United in 2019. Leading scorer for the club during the 2018/19 season. Has now returned from a nasty injury. MARLON AGYAKWA: Midfield. 25 years old. Joined the club from local rivals Canvey Island. A lightening quick winger who likes to attack. Previous clubs include Southend United, Oxford City and Didcot Town. CHARLIE KENDALL: Midfield. 24 years old. Joined the Dockers in July 2019 from play off winners Heybridge Swifts. Has previously played in a successful Basildon United side. Hard working player. OLA OGUNWAMIDE: Midfield. 21 years old. Signed last season from Barking. A target of Dockers manager Marc Harrison for a number of months. Has also played in the Essex Senior League with Woodford Town. Has popped up with some important goals and exciting going forward. LEE NOBLE: Midfield. 32 years old. Signed in September 2020 after 12 years of service at National league side Dartford and played nearly 500 times. Has won the Isthmian League Division One (North) and Premier Division, plus 2 Kent Senior Cup medals.

OLI SPOONER: Midfield. 19 years old. Returned to Chadfields after representing Tilbury Under 16's. Two seasons ago represented England C in the Falklands. A former Basildon United and Basildon Town player. Past 50 games for the club. TOMMY BARTON: Midfield. 31 years old. Joined from Basildon Utd in 2018 where he was captain. The previous two seasons, he was part of promotions to the Essex Senior League and Isthmian North. BRENDAN OCRAN: Midfield. 23 years old. Joined the Dockers from local rivals Basildon United in September 2020. Has Isthmian League experience. CAMERON BRODIE: Midfield. 19 years old. Signed on loan from National league side Dartford in September 2020. Rated highly by coaches. AYUB KADIRI: Midfield. 19 years old. Joined the Dockers from Hackney Wick in February 2020. Exciting prospect. BRIAN MOSES: Striker. 24 years old. Joined the club from Cheshunt. Has played for Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Basildon United. Scored 9 times in Cheshunt's last 10 matches in 2018/19 that saw them win promotion. Two years ago, Brian scored 33 times for Redbridge. TONY STOKES: Striker. 33 years old. Has played for many clubs including West Ham Reserves, Concord Rangers, Bowers and Pitsea and Grays. A proven goalscorer. Has also played as a professional in Hungry.

3rd Qualifying Round Draw Ties to be played Saturday 31st October 2020 Games listed are only those involving Isthmian League Clubs

AVELEY v Beaconsfield Town United v Margate Barking v Sittingbourne Biggleswade Town v Heybridge Swifts Bishops Stortford v Brentwood Town Bognor Regis Town v Tooting & Mitcham United Bowers & Pitsea v Hornchurch Burgess Hill Town v Harrow Borough Chesham United v Whyteleafe Coggeshall Town v Wingate & Finchley Corinthian Casuals v Hendon East Thurrock United v Cheshunt Enfield Town v Ramsgate Faversham Town v Haringey Borough Felixstowe & Walton United v Metroploitan Police Haringey Borough v Bracknell Town Hastings United v Ashford Town (Middx) Hitchin Town v Herne Bay v Welwyn Garden City Kings Langley v Regent v Potters Bar Town Leiston v Lowestoft Town v Lewes Maldon & Tiptree v Kingstonian Marlow v Berkhamstead Merstham v Carshalton Athletic Needham Market v Three Bridges Royston Town v Hythe Town Walton Casuals v Folkestone Invicta v Cray Wanderers Well, it’s been an interesting week or so. Not what I would call the good type of interesting either.

Our last home game, a Monday night also saw us lose to Brentwood Town, a team spending the money, a team that consisted of no less than five ex-Millers and it was one of those ex-men that got the winner with Andy Freeman scoring halfway through the second half. It was a tight game and we should have got the equaliser but Harry Donovan’s finish was ruled offside.

That was followed by the trip to Histon. It looked like it was going to be a nice afternoon until the ref blew for kick off, then a light drizzle began. We were on top and soon 2-0 up. Then the rain got a little heavier. We were looking comfortable when Histon got one back as the heavens let go and after Harry Donovan’s red card was followed by a few other dangerous looking challenges the ref blew up and abandoned the game. It was the right decision as it was torrential. What frustrates the life out of me though is that the goals get wiped, the game “didn’t happen”, but the red card stands!!

Then a massive blow right to the gut. Home grown Miller Wyan Reid announces that he has left. And gone to join Brentwood Town. We wish him the best, but that one hurt.

That was followed by a mid-week trip across the river to Cray Valley PM in the FA Cup. A painfully frustrating game that didn’t go to plan, and a second successive loss saw us dumped out 2-0.

A chance to follow up on last season’s record breaking run in the FA Trophy followed at the weekend as we visited Hanwell Town. Another tight contest that saw Hanwell’s keeper desperately try to keep his nice sparkling white kit clean as he watched the ball fly over his head and George Sykes tap in at the far post to make it 1-0. No sooner had we finished celebrating than Hanwell hit us on the break and it was 1-1. It stayed that way for the 90, so Pens had to decide it. Aveley taking the win 8-7. And we’re on our way to Notts County again.

There has been a strange feeling around the ground the last few weeks. After the highs of last season, losing the players we have as well as George and Jack from the coaching staff, can make you feel a bit down as a fan.

But as fans it is down to us to get behind the club and the team no matter who is playing. Put faith in The Gaffer and things will come good. LOWESTOFT Three away days on the bounce gives us a back log of marking to do. So here are our Sons on Tours marks out of 5: the local area: THE JOURNEY: 4 3 200+ miles pre-match pint the ground: 4 3 The Harbour Inn, Lowestoft. Mamouth food Let down by blocking off access behind the portions for a very good price goal in the second half PROG: FOOD AND DRINK: 3 3 No Aveley squad listed total: 20/30 romford (playing in barking) local area: 2 prog: 3 journey: 4 food and drink: 2 pre-match pint: 3 ground: 2 total: 16/30 brantham Three away days on the bounce gives us a back log of marking to do. So here are our Sons on Tours marks out of 5:

the local area: 4 THE JOURNEY: 3

pre-match pint 4 the ground: THE CROWN, BRANTHAM 3

FOOD AND DRINK: PROG: 2 total: 17/30 3 sons on tour league table: harpenden: 25 lowestoft: 20 NEXT UP: SAT 3RD OCTOBER brantham: 17 COGGESHALL VS THE romford: 16 MILLERS TEAM LINE-UPS THE MILLERS tilbury (GK) DAVID HUGHEs HARRY GIRLING (GK) JASON RING RYAN BOSWELL HARRY GIBBS ELJAY WORRELL STEVE SHEEHAN CHARLIE KENDALL GEORGE WINN DARREN PHILLIPS GEORGE ALLEN LEE BURNS jack mochalski OLA OGUNWAMIDE Morisi Gelashvili LEE NOBLE JAMES GOODE BRIAN MOSES CONNOR WITHERSPOON CAMERON BRODIE FREDDIE GARD LEWIS SMITH JACK CHAWNER TONY STOKES HARRY DONOVAN BRENDAN OCRAN MITCHELL GILBEY MARLON AGYAKWA ALEX CLARK TOMMY BARTON mANNY OGUNRINDE OLI SPOONER BRADLEY SACH GEORGE SYKES

REFEREE: GERRY HERON ASSISTANT REFEREE: FABIO ROQUE ASSISTANT REFEREE: ANDREW CROSSLEY next up at parkside: SAT 24th OCTOBER 2020 THE MILLERS vs WITHAM VS