Sports frustrate the Millers on a goalless night at Parkside

Aveley are highly fancied to win promotion from the BetVictor Isthmian North Division this season after coming so close the last time around, but so far things haven't quite gone to plan. Last night Hullbridge Sports became the second side in three days to frustrate their ambitions.

Sports arrived at Parkside last night to play only their second ever Step Four match, and after their first ended in a three-nil home defeat to Witham Town there wouldn't have been many willing to bet on a positive outcome. But Darren Manning's side demonstrated quite quickly that they were quick learners, and as well as keeping out a potent Millers attack also managed to create a few chances of their own.

The Millers had the ball in the net during the first half, Alex Akrofi turning in a shot from Aaron Condon which had been well saved by Robert Budd. However the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag; a decision which seems to have been universally disputed by the home faithful. Sports had already fashioned an opportunity of their own by this point, which Luke Hornsley was unable to take, and soon they had a penalty appeal turned down after a foul on Nathan Scarborough. Akrofi was then denied by some stout defending just before and just after the break, and that pattern continued throughout the second half, although Jamie Salmon also came close for the visitors, forcing a save from David Hughes and also having penalty appeals waved away.

The match ended with more Millers pressure, but a strong rearguard action ensured that Sports took their point, much to the frustration of most of the two hundred and fifty seven in attendance.

Aveley's next chance to pick up three points will come as they travel to Romford (Brentwood Town) on Bank Holiday Monday, whilst at the same time Sports will be hosting Canvey Island- and we'll be back with Canvey transfer news in a moment!

You can read the programme from last night's match by heading here.