Monday's Ryman North action review

Jacob Cleaver’s controversial 84th minute winner for Maldon & Tiptree in the Ryman North on Monday night left Aveley manager Justin Gardner fuming as his side suffered a second successive defeat, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Cleaver's winner six minutes from time was the odd goal in five that separated the two sides in a thoroughly entertaining contest between two of the division's promotion candidates at Mill Field.

But the goal – Cleaver's second of the game – was shrouded in controversy as he appeared to be offside when the ball was played through, with the linesman failing to raise his flag.

What had preceded it was a spirited Aveley comeback after Gardner’s side had gone into the break two goals behind thanks to goals from Glen Golby and Cleaver. Danny Hopkins brought the Millers back into it with a goal 10 minutes into the second period, and after Shane Oakley had missed a penalty that would have levelled the scores, Jay Leader’s stooping header set up the dramatic finale.

Monday's other game saw Waltham Abbey make it five wins from their eight games played after also winning 3-2 at Brentwood Town, who remain second-from-bottom. But it was the home side who took an eighth minute lead when Petrit Elbi converted from the penalty spot.

The Abbots were back on level terms four minutes before the break through James Peagram but were behind again eight minutes into the second period when Elbi restored Town`s advantage. Peagram also bagged his second of the evening on 65 minutes to bring the scores level at 2-2 and then eight minutes from time Ayrton Coley scored what proved to be the visitors' winner.