OPPOSITION FOCUS | Aveley FC (H)

Back to the Focus! And off the back of a hard-graft three points v Welling, the Tudors will be looking to extend their winning streak as they climb the table! Currently sitting in 10th, the Tudors 11 points away from a playoff place! However, our visitors Aveley currently sitting at the bottom of the National League South, will be looking for anything to catapult them into safety.

Let's see learn a little more about our visitors:

The Key Info

Founded: 1927

Nickname: The Millers

Manager: Danny Scopes

Stadium: Parkside

Capacity: 3500

The History

Formed in 1927, Aveley spent the first 12 years of their existence playing in local leagues

before the breakout of the war halted their progress. ‘The Millers’ nickname was coined

following their move from Lodge Meadow to Mill Field, where they were soon elected into the

Delphian League in the 1955/56 season. They competed in this division until the 1962/63

season, before moving to the Athenian League; just one year before they were granted full

membership by the Football Association. The Millers have experienced numerous

relegations, alongside the euphoria of gaining promotions. Most recently, Aveley have risen

up the non-league pyramid, with consecutive promotions from the Isthmian Division One

North to the National League South in just two seasons, which saw them compete in last

season’s campaign for the first time. The promotions had built up momentum for the club to

progress as Aveley surprised the entire division, finishing in a playoff position. After their

Playoff exit to Maidstone United, things have gone less than ideal for the Millers this season,

with the club currently sat at the bottom of the table. However, they will attempt a ‘Great

Escape’ with hopes to beat the Tudors being their first step towards this attempt.

The Manager: Danny Scopes

Danny Scopes has been in charge of Aveley since his appointment during the 2021/22 season and has been a key influence over the Millers squad. With Aveley being his second club that he has managed, Scopes has managed 85 games over his time at Aveley and most notably led the Millers to a playoff position in last year’s campaign. Whilst this season so far has been less than ideal, Scopes will look to use his experience and quality to attempt to drive the Millers away from the relegation places.

LAST TWO:

LOSS 0-2 v Eastbourne LOSS 1-2 v Worthing

15/03/25 10/03/25

NEXT TWO:

HOME V TORQUAY UTD AWAY V SLOUGH TOWN 5/4/25

29/03/25 5/4/25

Played for Both: James Holden

Having briefly played for the Tudors before Christmas this season, James Holden moved to Aveley in a quest for regular minutes as a goalkeeper. Whilst the 23 year old has found clean sheets hard to come by this season, Holden has stepped up when relied upon, showcasing his excellent shot-stopping abilities and crucial saves for both teams.

Since joining the Millers, Holden has been a regular in the Aveley side.

Star Man: David Kawa

Arriving at the beginning of this season from the Peterborough United youth setup, David Kawa has led the line and has been a source of goal contributions over this league campaign. Registering 11 goal contributions in 28 appearances, Kawa can prove a threat if he is allowed time and space.

Kawa’s first taste of competitive football came through him moving to the AFC Wimbledon youth setup. After moving up the ranks, Kawa earned a loan move to Sevenoaks Town where he received his first taste of senior football. Following this loan move, Kawa moved from Wimbledon to Peterborough to further his development as a player. After lasting just one season in the Under 21s side, Kawa transferred over to Aveley for the beginning of this season.

With Kawa being just 21 years of age, his potential in the game remains bright as he looks to add to his goal contributions over the season. He will be a player on Hemel’s radar for this fixture.

The Skipper: Jason Ring

Having joined the Millers during the 2020/21 season, Jason Ring has shown a great sense of loyalty throughout his time as an Aveley player. Playing as a right back, Ring has only played at non-league level in and around the Essex region. His first taste of senior football was at East Thurrock before he moved to play for Burnham Ramblers. After spending less than a year at that club, Ring moved to Great Wakering Rovers before returning to his previous home at East Thurrock after 3 years. This season, Ring has been a mainstay in the Aveley side, picking up 34 appearances over this season.

Last Time Out: Aveley 0-1 Hemel

The last encounter by these two teams saw a fantastic team goal scored by Ricardo German prove to be the difference between the two teams. It was a tough midweek game and a good battle, which saw both teams struggle to break each other down following German’s goal in the 20th minute. However, the hosts saw two players sent off with Emmanuel Ogunrinde and Garrett Kelly receiving second yellow cards as the game drew to a close.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Focus, on what looks like to be a busy Non-League Day match-up! Come on you Tudors!