Brentwood Town began their 2025/26 Isthmian Premier Division campaign with a battling 1-1 draw away to Aveley on Friday night, thanks to a late equaliser at Parkside. The Blues made a confident start but fell behind to a second-half penalty, before Charlee Hughes struck in the dying minutes to earn a deserved point.
The Blues started the game comfortably whilst the hosts looked dangerous on the counter. Aveley's George Saunders made a driving run into the box before his effort was struck over the crossbar.
Danny Ogunleye had Brentwood's first effort at goal. After doing well to win the ball at the byline, turning his defender, his curling shot from a challenging position met the top netting of the goal.
Aveley continued their form of looking sharp on the break, as a loose ball was met by Oliver Peters on the edge of box with Melvin Minter there to deny his low-range shot.
Just after the half-hour mark, The Blues created an attacking prowess as Kymani Thomas retrieved the ball and advanced beyond the defence. His powerful effort encountered a deflection from The Millers’ backline to keep it out.
Thomas continued to cause the Aveley defence a tough time, as his second effort forced a save from Joe Wright to keep both sides level.
The most notable chance of the half came in the 45th minute when Louie Johnson placed a through ball into the path of Ogunleye, who saw his shot swiftly caught by the gloves of Wright.
After the break, Brentwood looked to continue their form at the end of the first-half, as Ade Cole was pinpointed outside of the box and his firing effort was marginally hit over the crossbar.
With an hour gone on the clock, a penalty was awarded to the hosts after George Saunders went to ground following pressure from Wyan Reid. Peters stepped up and was on hand to convert from the spot, sending Minter the wrong way.
Brentwood, looking for a way back into the game, brought on Manny Ogunrinde, Marlon Agyakwa and Benas Vaivada. Meanwhile the hosts, understandably, were looking to slow down proceedings.
With two minutes of standard time left to play, the Blues secured an equaliser. Vaivada was brought down on the edge of the area, before an in-swinging free-kick from Cole was delivered into the crowded box and Charlee Hughes was there to fire home a shot from close range.
In the end neither team were able to find a winner in the dying embers of the game, with both sides settling for a point on the opening day.
Brentwood Town are back in league action this Tuesday as they welcome St Albans City to The Arena. 7:45pm KO and tickets are available for purchase in advance on Fanbase!
By Michaela Georgopoulos
Aveley: Wright, Tinubu, Critchley, Armin, Machado, Saunders (Boachie 83’), Peters, Liburd (Zuhdu 57’), Gipson, Brissett (Sartorious 79’), Henshaw (C)
Brentwood Town: Minter, Reid, Aarons-Royal, Cripps (C), Hudson, Cole, Edwards (Ogunrinde 69’), Johnson (Agyakwa 69’), Ogunleye (Park 89’), Thomas (Vaivada 79’), Hughes
Photo: Tiego Grenho
