Friendly
Parkside, Aveley
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Attendance: 100 (estimate)
Match Rating: 3
I had originally planned to recomplete the Combined Counties League Premier Division this evening with a trip to Walton and Hersham's new home at the Elmbridge Sports Hub. However, on Wednesday I noticed that Aveley had arranged this fixture, as both clubs had exited the FA National competitions. Although it would only be a friendly match, it would provide the opportunity to explore a new ground that I had heard very good things about. I also felt reassured that there would be a reasonable crowd present, as the club publicised the fixture well, not only offering free entry, but also alcoholic drinks with £1 off until England scored in their friendly game against Germany. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that promotion lasted all night, as England played out a goalless draw at Wembley.
It was with considerable sadness that Aveley vacated their former ground at Mill Field at the end of last season, which just oozed character with its old fashioned stand and terracing, but the club's new home is most certainly impressive and is very easy on the eye. Situated just to the north east of Aveley, which itself is about five minutes' drive from the Dartford Crossing, the ground has AVELEY FC shining bright on the exterior of the stadium visible from the road, and there is a large tarmacked car park immediately outside the ground. On either side of the stand, there are separate attractive entrances for the players and to the hospitality facilities, with two sets of turnstiles either side of the stand. Once inside, the main stand is imaginatively designed, looks good and offers three rows of seating below a walkway, with a spacious modern bar area on the ground floor inside, and a viewing gallery on the first floor, which is apparently only open to invited guests. A refreshments window is located in the outer wall to one side of the stand. On the opposite side, there is an all-seater stand with good incline between rows, so offering excellent unobstructed views. Behind both goals there are identical small stands either side of the respective goals covering steps to stand on, and all of the stands are finished with the same blue and grey colour scheme, giving the ground a very smart, uniform look. There is also a spacious feel, with plenty of room along all of the walkways. As expected, no programmes were produced for this fixture, although credit to the announcer for providing the line-ups and goalscorers.
Unfortunately, their new impressive surroundings has coincided with a downturn in fortunes for Aveley on the pitch. After finishing in seventh place last season, just three points adrift of the play-offs, they came into this game in 22nd place in the 24 team Isthmian League Division One North, having won three and drawn three of their 14 league games. Sporting Bengal United were in 13th place in the Essex Senior League, having won six and drawn one of their 18 league games so far.
On a chilly but dry evening, with the kick off delayed by about ten minutes as the club tried to find someone to run the line, the first half was quite even, although Aveley always had that extra bit of quality. And they took the lead on 9 minutes when a good reverse ball forward sent Jack West through, and after holding off a defender as he ran forward, he slotted the ball low past the keeper and into the net. Both teams then came close to scoring, but it was Aveley who scored a second a minute before half time. The visiting keeper inexplicably picked up a back pass, with an indirect free kick awarded just outside the six yard box. The ball was touched to George Doyle, who blasted the ball into the roof of the net. There was still time for Sporting Bengal to pull a goal back. The ball was intercepted in midfield, and the player strode forward before shooting the ball low past the keeper.
After the break, Aveley looked far superior, as the visitors seemed to tire badly, and the substitutes they brought on were of not so good quality. However, it looked like Sporting Bengal had equalised on 48 minutes, when a ball through midfield found their forward and he placed the ball low across the keeper and into the net with a good finish, but the goal was ruled out for offside. On 51 minutes, Aveley scored their third, following an interception and some quick passing in the penalty area, Michael Osei struck a low gentle shot on the turn which should have been comfortably saved, but found its way past the keeper. Aveley then really should have scored a hatful, forcing good saves or failing to convert golden chances, but it wasn't until the 88th minute when they scored a fourth, Jeremiah Maja heading home a corner via the top of a defender's head. Then, with what turned out to be the last kick of the game, some good quick forward passing ended with the being dribbled to the byline and passed back low to Freddie Gard, who struck the ball home.
This was quite an entertaining game for a friendly, played at a good tempo with the feel of a competitive game. It was a good start to a weekend of groundhopping in this part of the world, as I intended to take in the Essex Senior League groundhop event, with three games to take in across East London tomorrow.
Video highlights of this match can be viewed by clicking here
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