Abbey revival halted by Aveley masterclass (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Abbey revival halted by Aveley masterclass

1:33pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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Waltham Abbey were outclassed by Aveley on Tuesday night, and the battle to beat the drop at Capershotts continues, writes Dominic Gover.

Abbotts keeper Harry Ricketts pulled off a string of saves to keep out the visitors.

But there was nothing he could do about Ryan Doyle’s 20-yard volley on 27 minutes, or when Martin Tuohy’s 68th-minute effort was too hot to handle and Sharwin Stanley netted the follow-up.

Boss Glen Alzapiedi admitted Abbey were beaten by the better side.

The fixture list does not get any easier for the team near the foot of the Ryman League Premier Division, who have given themselves a glimmer of hope in recent weeks, winning three on the trot prior to their midweek defeat.

Promotion-chasing Sutton United are next at Capershotts.

The manager said his team have no time to dwell on Tuesday’s sub-par performance.

“It’s about how we react in the next game. If we react in the same way and get a win on Saturday, then we would keep ourselves in contention for staying up,” said Alzapiedi.

“I expect them to be very physical and quick. When we played there they moved the ball very well. We restricted them by being hard to beat on the day, but I expect them to give us a real test.”

The boss outlined the challenge Abbey face to preserve their Ryman Premier status.

“We’re the smallest club in the league by a long way and have the smallest budget by a long way, and the least experienced squad.

“But we do have players who are very committed and want to do well for the club, so if we can be in contention to stay up when we get to April, we will give it a good go.

“The trick will be getting results out of the next games to give ourselves the chance.

“We came up against a very determined team in Aveley. They are well coached and were too strong for us. We couldn’t maintain the standards we set in the last couple of games. We didn’t have a goal threat at all.”

Abbey also host Tooting & Mitcham United next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in Ryman Division One North, Leyton drew 1-1 with local rivals Redbridge on Tuesday.

The team remain second-bottom, having lost 3-1 to Cheshunt at the weekend. They travel to Ilford this Saturday.

Waltham Forest play Maldon Town tonight. Go to www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport for a match report.

Forest drew 1-1 with Heybridge at the weekend. They travel to leaders Lowestoft Town this Saturday.