Aveley's Alex Read (12) taps in his side's winner against former club Romford (amsoul-images.com)

Ryman Div 1N: Aveley 2 Romford 1

Romford's Tom Richardson scores from the penalty spot at Aveley (amsoul-images.com)

Former Boro boy Alex Read scored with his second touch for new club Aveley as Romford fell to a slender defeat at Mill Field last night.

The hosts found themselves 1-0 up after just seven minutes when Petrit Elbi’s free-kick was spilt by goalkeeper Atu Ngoy and Jordan Cox was on hand to convert his 23rd and Aveley’s 100th goal of the season.

As the half wore on Paul Clayton missed a great chance to level the scores when he fired Dave Ottley’s free-kick just wide of Jack Giddens goal.

Ngoy made amends later in the half as he came out to deny Cox a second when clear through and Paul Martin’s side found a leveller from the spot after 37 minutes.

Bradley Thomas brought down Tom Richardson, who then took the spot kick and slotted past Giddens.

At the break Millers boss Justin Gardner brought on Read for his debut in place of Ade Cole and that proved to be a wise move six minutes later.

Junior Appiah’s mazy run down the right wing allowed him time to get in a fine cross and Read was at the back post to bundle in from close range.

But Romford never gave up as they went in search of an equaliser as Kurt Smith saw a shot deflected behind for a corner and Richardson forced a save from Giddens.

However, it was the Millers day as they bounced back from the 4-1 defeat at Needham Market in gritty fashion against a Boro side who will feel they should have picked up a point for their efforts.

Romford: Ngoy, Ottley, Oates, Barry, Dicks, Clayton, Sammut, Christian-Law, Reynolds (Blessing 71), Richardson, Smith.