Avro’s first ever participation in the FA Trophy came to an end yesterday afternoon, when they were beaten in a penalty shoot out after both sides had failed to make a breakthrough during the ninety minutes.
Manager Alex Frost made three changes from the side which had drawn the previous weekend against Hanley Town, with Deane Smalley returning at the heart of the defence, Liam Ellis coming in on the left flank and Kyle Hawley starting up front. Unfortunately the big striker’s involvement in the game was short-lived, with his hamstring injury resurfacing to leave him back on the sidelines after less than a quarter of an hour.
The first half was a tense and cagey affair, although both sides came close to edging in front. Harborough striker Paul Malone was the first to hit the woodwork before departing later in the half with a serious arm injury, whilst an effort from Jamie Rother also clipped the top of the bar.
Rother had already seen his superb effort brilliantly saved by on loan Northampton Town keeper James Dadge, and although Ellis netted the rebound, it was ruled out for offside. Gadge also made a fine save at his near post to keep out a free kick from Matty Crothers as the visitors shaded the half overall.
After the break, the game became more open, but Avro keeper Grant Shenton had just one save of any note to make, when he came off his line bravely to deny an onrushing home forward.
Meanwhile at the other end Gadge had to be equally courageous to deny Ellis as he raced into the area ahead of the last defender, and Rother again came close with a powerful strike from the edge of the area which flew just wide of the post.
The hosts were reduced to ten men with three minutes remaining, when Dan Cooper was dismissed for two fouls in quick succession on Muis Bibire Bello. By that stage Avro were well on top and there looked like there would only be one winner, but for all their dominance, they could not find a way past Gadge, who saved his best until last by making two excellent saves in the penalty shoot out to seal his side’s place in the second round.
