Avro head north this Saturday, breaking new ground both with regard to their destination and the time at which their NWCL Premier Division encounter kicks off against Barnoldswick Town. We have never visited the Silentnight Stadium before despite this being our third season in the same division, with both of the previous scheduled trips unable to be played because of the COVID pandemic which curtailed the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. The 7.30 start time is to accommodate the NWCL Groundhop, which will allow committed non league fans to watch as many as seven games across the three divisions in less than 48 hours.
Our boys had a busy February, playing a total of seven games, and will play another six between now and April 2nd as the season draws to a close. A second place finish and with it the chance of promotion to step 4 has proved to be beyond us, but cementing our place in the top six over the next few weeks and making progress in the Macron Cup remain very realistic objectives, and the road to achieving those goals begins tomorrow night in east Lancashire.
The opposition
Barnoldswick currently lie 19th in the league table, just above the relegation zone. Much of this is due to them having as many as four games in hand on the sides immediately above them, as they have suffered five postponements in 2022. However, they have also not won in the league for nearly four months since their 3-1 success at AFC Liverpool in early November.
Barnoldswick’s last six results
|
26/02/22 |
Vauxhall Motors (A) |
L 1-2 |
|
19/02/22 |
L 0-3 |
|
|
12/02/22 |
Runcorn Town (H) |
L 1-2 |
|
08/02/22 |
Congleton Town (A) |
D 2-2 |
|
22/01/22 |
AFC Liverpool (H) |
D 2-2 |
|
19/01/22 |
L 0-4 |
‘Barlick’ have kept just two clean sheets all season, the last coming back in September when they scored three goals in the first 25 minutes away to Irlam. However, they are averaging nearly two goals a game and have lost just four of their fifteen games in front of their own fans. Their main problem has been the nine draws which they have recorded during that time.
Did you know?
Barnoldswick’s fans are nicknamed the ‘Sewer Army’ because of the pipe which runs along one side of the pitch.
One to watch
The diminutive Alex Ralph is an experienced midfielder who is in his second spell at the Silentnight Stadium. A tricky winger who has scored four goals and contributed numerous assists this season.
Team news
Joe Rathbone continues to be sidelined with a foot injury; however, manager Alex Frost has confirmed that everyone else is available for selection.
A reminder that the club is offering free coach travel to anyone who wants to make the trip north. It leaves the Vestacare Stadium at 5pm, and anyone who wishes to be on board needs to email us at Supporter.Services@avrofc.co.uk or send us a Direct Message on Twitter.
