Despite injured Neville Hickton and Paul Pilkington adding to their list of experienced men missing, Rovers produced a solid performance to earn a share of the Ryman Division One North spoils at a side who have lost just once in 14 games.

The Aveley pitch recovered well from the recent heavy rains, although it did start to cut up during the later stages and the second-half on a bitterly cold afternoon was played to the accompaniment of a snow shower.

Get stuck in - Great Wakering's Stuart Firth gets a tackle in Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

Aveley, managed by ex-Wakering player Steve Mosely, came close to breaking the deadlock after 13 minutes when Carl Allison, under pressure from goalkeeper Dave Hudson, headed wide from Aaron Wright's left-wing cross.

The home side then took a 17th minute lead when Jimmy Stevens slotted home into the bottom corner after Wakering failed to clear an attack.

The village visitors soon hit back -- a 20th minute Terry Howard free-kick from 30 yards going just over.

But Wakering were back on terms a minute later when Tommy Dalgarno, returning from a lengthy suspension, crashed the ball home from close range.

Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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