Premier Division newcomers Aveley and Cray Wanderers fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Mill Field.
The hosts had the upper hand in the early stages with Sam Lechmere going close.
Cray though had the best chances when a half cleared corner was knocked back to Mark Willy all alone eight yards out but he shot straight at keeper Jamie Lunan.
Aveley went ahead in the 28th minute. Junior Dadson over hit corner was retrieved by Matt Johnson and his perfect delivery was headed firmly home by key summer signing Martin Tuohy, the leagues top scorer last season when he netted over 50 times for East Thurrock.
Neil Richmond almost doubled the lead in the 42nd minute, shooting inches wide and Cray responded with a well struck effort by Dean Standen which Lunan tipped over the bar.
It was all square two minutes after the interval when Aveley right back Ryan Doyle handled and Colin Luckett blasted home the penalty.
Cray had the better of things for some time after that without creating a clear chance.
The introduction of Sherwin Stanley, a morning signing from Brentwood gave the Millers a lift and he had a shot from a tight angle deflected against the bar.
Cray looked the stronger side at the end and Dadson headed a Scott Kinch effort off the line. But a draw was fair enough outcome.

Aveley - Jamie Lunan, Ryan Doyle, Sam Holloway, Nicky Symons, Michael Alaile, Richard Ketchell, Junior Dadson, Mathhew Johnson, Neil Richmond (Sherwin Stanley 60), Martin Tuohy (Piers Wixon 80), Sam Lechmere (Mitch Hahn 70),
Subs Not Used :- Gareth Street, Garry Skerritt.

Man of Match

MICHAEL ALAILE