Town are on their travels for their opening away game in the new Vanarama National League South season when they visit Aveley tomorrow afternoon (12th August), ko 3.00pm.

The campaign began encouragingly for the Peacocks with a 2-1 victory over Braintree Town last weekend and they will be looking to build on that good start when they visit Parkside to take on the newly promoted Millers who 12 months on are following in Town’s footsteps by making their debut in the National League South. Aveley finished 4th in last year’s Isthmian League Premier before negotiating the Play-Offs, firstly beating Canvey Island on penalties following a goalless draw and then defeating Hornchurch 1-0 in the final. Their opening game at Step 2 saw them suffer a narrow 1-0 loss at Chippenham Town last weekend so they will have the incentive of bouncing back to mark their first ever home game at this level. Summer recruits for the Millers include centre half Tommy Davis from Southend United, attacking midfielder Nana Kyei from Concord Rangers and strikers Matt Rush from Braintree Town and Charlee Hughes from Hemel Hempstead Town who enjoyed an excellent game for the Tudors at Wordsworth Drive last season.

The Peacocks name an unchanged squad from last weekend with Lee Lucas back available for Tuesday’s visit to Weymouth. Following his latest scan, Jay Foulston will return to full training in three weeks. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” After last Saturday, another set of circumstances will prevail tomorrow. The distance and a new team playing at home for the first time in the National League makes I the great unknown and it will undoubtedly be another tough day. But we are in a good place and go there with confidence especially after last year’s record on 3G.” 

Traveller Info

Ground: Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, Essex RM15 4PX

Ground to Ground: 180.8 miles (via A303/M3/M25)

Directions: Exit M25 at Junction 31 and take the A3106 to Thurrock/Lakeside/Purfleet. At the roundabout take 3rd exit onto Ship Lane and continue for around one mile before taking 2nd exit at next roundabout onto High Street which becomes Stifford Road. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto Lance Corporal Nicky Mason Way before turning right at the next roundabout into Park Lane. The ground is on the right.

Admission: tickets can be purchased in advance online HERE or at the gate priced:

Adults £15, Concessions £10, Under 16’s £5

Last meeting: the teams have met before in the FA Trophy during the eventually terminated 2019-20 season. After a 3-3 draw at Wordsworth Drive in a 2nd Round Qualifying tie, the Peacocks travelled to Essex for the replay two days later on Monday 11th November 2019. The Millers were two up at the break via Alex Akrofi and Jason Raad but despite a late Jack Rice goal, Town bowed out 2-1. Relive the match highlights HERE