GREAT Wakering Rovers were made to pay for a slow start as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Isthmian North promotion chasers Aveley.

Tony Martin scored two second half goals for Wakering, but efforts from Alex Akrofi, Amir Berkane and Harry Gibbs allowed the Millers to claim all three points at Burroughs Park.

Wakering endured a nightmare start to the contest as they fell behind inside the opening 60 seconds.

Akrofi was on hand to slot home Andy Freeman’s dangerous cross into the penalty area, allowing Aveley to take control of the game.

Shomari Barnwell forced Aveley goalkeeper David Hughes into a fingertip save, while Jacob Wiggins fired over the crossbar soon after.

Akrofi headed a free-kick over the crossbar but Aveley doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the interval as Berkane registered his first Millers goal having been found by Akrofi.

Aveley went in search of more goals and Bobby Vaughan was denied from point blank range before Jason Raad saw his diving header flash past the post.

Former Aveley man Martin halved the deficit with a free-kick after 69 minutes, but Gibbs volleyed home six minutes later to restore the visitors’ two-goal cushion.

Wiggins struck the crossbar with a looping header as Wakering upped the ante.

And the home side gave themselves hope as Martin completed his brace late on.

But Aveley held on and were able to return to winning ways.