The Vestacare hosts league action for the first time since victory over Congleton Town on the 8th February tomorrow, 26th February, when we welcome the league leaders Widnes for our final fixture of the month before we commence a busy March.
It will be a welcome return to home soil for The Ro, who head into this fixture on the back of three consecutive away fixtures which provided mixed fortunes. A narrow defeat away at Newcastle Town was followed up by a draw at Wythenshawe thanks to a late strike from Jake Cottrell. Last time out, on the final of consecutive away fixtures, it was a comfortable win for The Ro against Hanley Town. This fixture included debuts for Brandon Barker, Sheriff Njie and Malakai McKenzie and all three enjoyed a positive debut and provided Avro with attacking strength. Kane Wallwork provided the key moment of the game when his defensive heroics prevented Hanley from taking the lead thanks to a last-ditch defensive tackle to prevent a simple finish. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when, after Chiekh Thiam was brought down in the box, Jake Cottrell cooly converted his penalty to score his 5th league goal of the season.
The visitors for tomorrow arrive on the back of a positive season so far as they currently sit top of the league, 3 points ahead of Vauxhall Motors and 6 points ahead of Hednesford Town. With just 11 league fixtures to play, Widnes will be looking to close in on the league title with a win at The Vestacare. However, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Widnes in recent weeks. After a run of 6 league fixtures unbeaten, they have failed to win any of their last 3. Last time out, it was a heavy defeat for Widnes at the hands of Clitheroe with the home side storming to a dominant 4-0 win. This defeat was made worse with victories for Hednesford Town and Vauxhall Motors who applied the pressure, closing the gap at the top. They will be determined to return to winning ways tomorrow but are sure to be met with an equally determined Avro side.
James Steele and Sean Miller are the standout players in the Widnes camp and are key players for Avro to look out for. Both players head into this fixture with 11 league goals each so far this season and are sure to play a key role for Widnes’ title ambitions. Sean Miller has gained National League experience having spells with Altrincham, Chester, and Curzon Ashton. James Steele is a familiar face to this level. As well as over 100 appearances for Widnes, he has also featured for Newcastle Town, Runcorn Linnets and City of Liverpool.
The sides last met at the DCBL Stadium in early November, and it was a share of the spoils between the sides in a 1-1 draw. Sam Davidson put Avro ahead in the 30th minute and The Ro looked to hold onto this lead and did so, until the 85th minute. Rather controversially, Widnes were awarded a penalty, and this was dispatched by Dominic McGiveron to salvage a point.
A reminder that this fixture is the second of two home fixtures this month in support of The British Heart Foundation and Heart Month. Donations for this cause will be warmly welcomed at the turnstiles as well as around the ground.Avro are back in league action this Saturday when we commence a busy March, starting with the visit of Clitheroe at The Vestacare.
