Joe Rathbone’s second half goal ensured that Avro began life at step 4 in the best possible fashion, with a narrow victory against a side who were playing two levels above them last season.
Alex Frost’s first starting line up of the 23-24 NPL Division One West campaign featured three players making their league debuts for the Ro, with the Smalley brothers forming half of the defence and Dylan Fitzgerald lining up on the right side of the midfield.
Max Davidson continued at left back with Kane Wallwork still sidelined, whilst Matty Crothers moved into midfield in place of Jamie Rother in the only other change from last Sunday’s FA Cup win at Emley.
After Muis Bibire Bello had hit the bar with a cross from the left in the opening few minutes, it was the visitors who had the better chances in the first period. Callum Saunders got on the end of a cross from the right by Sean Cooke but could only direct his header against the post, whilst the striker again had a chance to break the deadlock later in the half, only to be denied by an excellent save from Grant Shenton.
After the break, the home side started stronger with the wind at their backs, and they were rewarded for their endeavour when Rathbone fired home what turned out to be the winner on the hour mark. The Dabbers pressed for an equaliser but to no avail, and Avro were thus able to claim a hugely impressive opening day success.
