After a European break midweek, Avro return to home turf tomorrow when we welcome Vauxhall Motors to The Vestacare as we commence the final run in of league fixtures. This is the first of just four remaining home games for The Ro.
Earlier this week, Avro made the trip to Norway for the return leg of our Fenix Trophy fixture with FC Oslo. After a convincing 6-1 home win in the first leg, Avro knew that they had one foot in the final stage of the competition in Italy. David Birch named a strong starting eleven whilst also having youth options available from the bench. FC Oslo clinched a narrow 1-0 win thanks to a goal early in the second half. However, with a 6-2 aggregate victory, The Ro can look forward to a trip to Italy in May with official dates yet to be announced.
Away from the Fenix trophy, Avro have also had a positive run of form in the league of late, winning their last two league fixtures. This run of form has seen them almost guaranteed of their safety in the league. The Ro currently sit 10th in the league on 51 points with Kidsgrove occupying the final relegation spot on 40 points. Last time out, it was a vital away win at Kidsgrove Athletic with a second half strike from Kyle Hawley the difference between the two sides.
Vauxhall Motors have had a successful campaign so far this season with The Motors currently sitting 2nd in the league. However, with Widnes sitting 8 points clear at the top of the league, they know that they can’t afford anymore slip ups if they want to continue their title ambitions. They have only won 2 of their last 6 league games and let a 2-0 lead slip against Stafford Rangers last weekend in a 2-2 draw.
The Motors do arrive at The Vestacare posing the best away record in the league so far having claimed 35 points from 17 league away fixtures so Avro will have to be aware of the attacking threat and away confidence that Vauxhall pose. Nick Rushton is the leading scorer for Vauxhall this season having scored 13 league goals. Vauxhall have three players in double figures so far this season, with Kevin Ellison having 12 league goals and Connor Rankin sitting just one behind on 11.
The sides met earlier in the season at The vanEupen Arena and it was away delight for Avro in a 2-1 away win. Goals from Benito Lowe and Kyle Hawley put The Ro 2-0 ahead before the vastly experienced Kevin Ellison claimed a late consolation goal in the 92nd minute. Avro also achieved the double over Vauxhall Motors last season so since both sides gained promotion together from the North-West Counties, Avro hold an unbeaten streak against The Motors. This is a record which would be most welcomed in continuing tomorrow.
Avro are next in action a week tomorrow, 22nd March, when we make the relatively short trip to face Witton Albion.
