Eastman the Hero as Jammers Secure Dramatic Late Victory at Aveley
Aveley 1–2 Maldon & Tiptree
Isthmian League Premier Division | Monday 19 October 2026 | Parkside
Tom Eastman was the hero once again as Maldon & Tiptree secured a dramatic 2–1 away victory over Aveley, with the defender’s powerful 87th-minute header sealing all three points for the Jammers. Eastman’s decisive contribution marked his second goal in as many outings, following his strike against Lewes on Saturday, as Steve Butterworth’s side continued to build momentum. The win also completes the double over Aveley for the 2026-27, following an earlier 1-0 home victory.
Bennett Gives the Jammers the Advantage
Following Saturday’s 1–1 draw at Lewes, Maldon arrived at Parkside looking to turn another encouraging performance into a valuable three points. Butterworth's side made a bright start and controlled the majority of the first hald, without generating a a clear-cut chance to test Maldon-man, Jamie Grossart.
The visitors made the breakthrough in the 34th minute when Jamie Bennett found the net to put the Jammers ahead. Reiss Webber intercept the ball from an Aveley defender, before Charlee Hughes squared the ball to Bennett, with the new signing making no mistake, in rifiling his effort beyond the helpless Grossart.
Moments after taking the lead, Hughes was almost reward for his tenacious work-rate up front, with a good opportunity to extend Maldon's lead. The Maldon front-man was looking for his second goal in three appearances, however his effort was saved by Grossart.
Bennett’s goal gave Maldon a 1–0 lead heading into half-time, with the visitors well placed to claim an important result on the road. Arguably, the Jammers deserved to be further in front...
Aveley Hit Back After The Break
In a dominant second half, the hosts responded after the interval, drawing level in the 68th minute through Kymani Thomas who's short from the edge of the box was too-much for Jammers keeper, Bradley Robinson.
With the scores tied at 1–1, the contest appeared to be heading towards a share of the points as the match entered its closing stages. Robinson was once again, having a fine ninety minutes for the Jammers.
Eastman Rises to the Occasion
With just three minutes of normal time remaining, Maldon won a corner and seized their opportunity, especially with Aveley's captain Matty Johnson being off the pitch after receiving treatment.
As the delivery was swung into the penalty area from Marlon Agyawaka, Tom Eastman rose highest above the defence, powering a bullet header into the back of the net to spark celebrations for the travelling Jammers. It was a moment of real quality from the defender, whose second goal in consecutive matches proved to be the difference between the two Essex sides.
The 87th-minute winner secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory, a first for manager, Steve Butterworth and ensured Maldon returned home with all three points.
Match facts
- Full-time: Aveley 1–2 Maldon & Tiptree
- Isthmian League - Premier Division
- Date: 2026-10-19
- Kick-off: 19:45
- Venue: Parkside
- Half-time: 0 – 1
- Referee: Rikki Woolford
- Attendance: 376
Goals and match events
- 34′ — Goal: Jamie Bennett (34') (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 57′ — substitution: Emmanuel Adebiyi · substitution (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 58′ — substitution: Said Mohammed-Mariche · substitution (Aveley)
- 58′ — substitution: George Okoye · substitution (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 67′ — Goal: Kymani Thomas (67') (Aveley)
- 70′ — substitution: Samuel Adeyeye · substitution (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 75′ — Yellow card: Ade Cole · Yellow card (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 77′ — substitution: Harry Critchley · substitution (Aveley)
- 77′ — substitution: Aaron Williams-Bushell · substitution (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 81′ — substitution: Max Booth · substitution (Aveley)
- 81′ — substitution: Prosper Keto · substitution (Aveley)
- 81′ — substitution: Marlon Agyakwa · substitution (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 87′ — Goal: Tom Eastman (87') (Maldon & Tiptree)
- 90′ — Yellow card: Marlon Agyakwa · Yellow card (Maldon & Tiptree)
Aveley line-up
Starting XI
1. Jamie Grossart, 2. Jonathan Nzengo, 4. Albie Armin, 5. Giovanni Palmer, 8. Emmanuel Harvest, 9. Francis Mampolo, 10. Malachi Napa, 14. Shad Ngandu, 15. Matt Johnson (captain), 19. Ellis Bates, 23. Kymani Thomas
Substitutes
3. Harry Critchley, 11. Max Booth, 17. Said Mohammed-Mariche, 18. Prosper Keto, 20. Frankie-Jay Moralee
Maldon & Tiptree line-up
Starting XI
1. Bradley Robinson, 2. Rhamar Garrett-Douglas, 3. Jordan Peart, 4. Finlay Corrigan, 5. Tom Eastman (captain), 7. Jesse Olukolu, 8. Ade Cole, 9. Charlee Hughes, 10. Reiss Webber, 11. Jamie Bennett, 22. Kenedi Dariri
Substitutes
12. Marlon Agyakwa, 14. George Okoye, 15. Emmanuel Adebiyi, 16. Aaron Williams-Bushell, 17. Samuel Adeyeye