FOOTBALL

Waltham Abbey 0
Aveley 3
(Ryman One North) WALTHAM Abbey were left to rue early missed chances as their second half performance let them down against Aveley.

Marc Sontag should have done better with an effort in the opening ten minutes at Capershotts on Satuday, but the midfielder's strike from Denny Webb went straight into the arms of Aveley keeper Adam Rafis.

James Elmes then hooked a shot wide from a Dan Page throw.

Abbots were made to pay after the break as Millers made a strong start and opened the scoring on 55 minutes.

Leli Bajada made use of time and space in the Abbots penalty area to slot home into the bottom corner from ten yards out.

Rafis was in action at the other end to turn away Sontag's fine volley in what was one of Abbey's few attempts at goal in the second period.

Millers dominated the midfield battle as the game progressed, but it was not until they brought on Ainsley Gasper that changed the game, his introduction proving to be the difference.

The substitute grabbed the second goal on 78 minutes after side-stepping two challenges and blasting home from close range.

And five minutes later he wrapped it up for the visitors, tapping home from close range from the rebound after Bradley Barnes' strike had cannoned off a post.

Abbots are away to Redbridge on Saturday.

- Abbotts' Ryman League derby clash with Waltham Forest at Capershotts last night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

- Meanwhile, striker Calvin Petri has the left the club to join Ryman League rivals Waltham Forest.