RUSH A PAIN FOR MILLERS

MAIDSTONE UNITED 2 AVELEY 1

MATT RUSH came back to haunt former club Aveley with a goal and an assist for Mo Faal’s stoppage time winner to help keep Maidstone United’s memorable season alive.

The former Southend man was the star of the show as the Stones fought back from a halftime deficit to earn a play-off semi-final clash at Worthing.

Danny Scopes’ Aveley were chasing a third consecutive promotion but were indebted to goalkeeper Jonathan North for keeping their hosts at bay early on – the stalwart stopper brilliantly keeping out Rush before thwarting Bivesh Gurung moments later.

But having gone close to breaking the deadlock, Maidstone were hit with a sucker punch as Aveley went in front shortly before the half-hour.

Eduino Vaz’s dinked cross evaded Lucas Covolan and found an unmarked Manny Ogunrinde, who headed home from close range.

But Maidstone, who lost twice to Aveley during the regular season, refused to go down without a fight and levelled things up on 63 minutes.

Central defender Reiss Greenidge’s header across the face of goal was bundled into the back of the net by Rush a matter of months after he swapped Parkside for the Gallagher Stadium.

North kept George Elokobi’s Stones at bay as ghey pushed for a winner.

But, with tension rising and extra-time looming, Rush drove at Aveley captain Harry Gibbs andf fed Faal, who confidently found the bottom corner to ensure that Maidstone’s victory.

“We don’t do it he easy way,” said a proud but relieved Elokobi. “It was a fantastic play-off tie and Aveley pushed us all the way but our players, our football club, our community and our supporters were all magnificent and I’m very proud of them all.”

Aveley boss Scopes added: “I’m super proud of the effort of the group. We always knew it was going to be tough and challenging but like we have done all season, we stayed in the fight and took it to the wire.”