Millers’ run continues as Urchins fold

AVELEY’S stunning march in the FA Trophy continued into the last 16 as they saw off more higher-league opposition in ten-man Hornchurch.

The Step 4 Millers had already seen off East Grinstead, Bowers & Pitsea, Taunton Town, Biggleswade Town and Carshalton Athletic to get to this stage and added the Urchins to their list with an accomplished display.

The Isthmian Division One North side started the brighter and it was no surprise when they took the lead after just nine minutes.

Alex Akrofi was fouled in the box and Shad Ngandu tucked away from 12 yards.

Hornchurch, though, steadily grew into the game and went close when a dangerous free-kick from Rickie Hayles caused havoc in the Hornchurch area, beating everyone before bouncing off the post and finding the hands of the grateful Joe Wright.

The respective keepers were busy, with Aveley keeper David Hughes fielding a Ronnie Winn effort before a Jason Raad free-kick was kept out by Wright.

The Urchins, though, finally had something to cheer in first-half stoppage time when the referee awarding the second penalty of the game.

Mickey Parcell’s dangerous drilled cross was handled in the area and Chris Dickson took his penalty with aplomb.

Aveley, though, got the break they craved at the start of the second half when a strong challenge by Parcell on Wyan Reid was punished by the referee who awarded a straight red.

The man advantage proved crucial moments later. Good work on the right wing led to a cross to the near post that found Gibbs in space to power his header past Wright.

George Sykes and Akrofi both went close to add a third as Aveley held on fairly comfortably despite a late cameo from veteran Marvin Morgan.