Millers Grind Out Home Win - Aveley vs. Hetford Town

Parkside under lights

Since my trip to Guernsey earlier in the year, I've been getting close to completing the Ryman League. I had just the five grounds left to visit and with Aveley playing on Friday night I had a chance to get closer to the full house. Around the same time last year, I paid one last visit to Aveley's fantastic Mill Field for a match with Haringey Borough and they have now of course moved to the fancy new Parkside. Their opponents on this evening were Hertford Town. When I visited  Hertingfordbury Park, it was for an FA Vase tie with Mauritius Sports Association which shows how long ago it was. Hertford were promoted from The South Midlands League last season and had adopted well to life at the higher level. Aveley have had an indifferent start to the season and were just above the relegation places at the start of play. 

Kick off on the plastic at Parkside

I lost my pen before kick off and it was too cold to take notes on my phone so this is a severely abridged match report! Hertford take a early lead and are well on top in the opening stages. Aveley however turn the game around with two close range finishes following set plays. Hertford push on in the closing stages and are caught out as Aveley sell the game late on.

Aveley defend a Hertford attack in the first half

To get to Aveley from London, you have to take a train to Rainham from Fenchurch Street and a short walk from the station you catch the 372 into Aveley. From here it is a ten minute walk along The High Street and then Park Lane to the ground. The walk along The High Street takes you past The Crown and Anchor and The Old Ship Inn both of which are lively locals. The bar at the ground had a good selection of drinks as well as the sports channels. The bacon burgers are also highly recommended.

Further seating opposite the main stand