Avro return to league action tomorrow afternoon, 8th February, when we welcome Congleton Town to The Vestacare. The Ro head into this fixture on the back of 4 consecutive league draws, most recently last weekend in a 2-2 draw with City of Liverpool at the DCBL Stadium.
It was an entertaining clash at the DCBL last week as Avro and City of Liverpool shared 4 goals in a 2-2 draw. After a penalty converted by Jake Cottrell, Avro went into the break ahead as they looked to end a streak of 3 consecutive draws against Hednesford Town, Trafford and Stalybridge Celtic. However, 2 goals in the space of 10 minutes early in the second half saw City of Liverpool draw level and take the lead. It was a positive response after a slow start to the second half and The Ro found themselves level just 2 minutes after going behind. After Chiekh Thiam was brought down in the box, Jake Cottrell converted his second penalty of the afternoon to clinch a point.
Our visitors are familiar opponents to The Vestacare, having been in the North West Counties Premier together. After Avro were promoted to the Northern Premier League West, it was also a change for Congleton Town who made the change to the Midland League. The Bears showed no intention of staying in the midland league and achieved promotion at the first time of asking. This title winning campaign saw Congleton win 25 out of 34 league matches, also surpassing 100 league goals, with manager Richard Duffy deservedly picking up the manager of the year award.
Congleton have carried on where they left off with The Bears currently sitting 2nd in the league. Avro will have to be aware of the attacking power Congleton possess, only Hednesford Town (62) have scored more league goals than Congleton Town this season (61). A key part of this is former Avro striker, Max McCarthy. Max is currently the league’s top goalscorer, having scored 14 goals so far this season. After a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Widnes, they have responded well having won both of their matches since with a 4-3 victory over Bootle followed up by a 4-2 win over Clitheroe last time out.
The sides have met twice so far this season, with Congleton claiming the spoils on both occasions. In September, a second half goal from Max McCarthy saw Congleton Town win 1-0 at The Vestacare and seal progression to the next round of the FA Trophy. The first meeting between the two in the Northern Premier League saw Congleton claim maximum points after a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Kieran Garner-Knapper and Daniel Needham. The Ro will be looking to go one better tomorrow and return to winning ways.
A reminder that for our home games this month, starting tomorrow, these fixtures will be dedicated to our support of Hearth Month. We would love for as many people as possible to donate to our support of the British Heart Foundation with donation boxes available around the ground. If you can’t make the match tomorrow, we also have a just giving page available for online donations.
Tickets for this fixture are available on our website with payment on the turnstiles available via card or cash payments.
