Two goals in the opening quarter of the encounter were enough to ensure that our participation in the 26-27 FA Cup ended at the first hurdle against a well-organised and a resilient Witton side.
After eight league games in 23 days, manager Grant Shenton made five changes to the starting line up for Monday’s victory at FC United of Manchester. The visitors started strongly and after a couple of near misses, they took the lead when James Steele pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and swept it into the roof of the net.
Tom Hoyle doubled the visitors’ advantage soon afterwards, although there was a hint of good fortune to it, with his mishit shot bouncing up and over Vilar Robinson. That same slice of luck deserted Sam Davidson when his free kick struck both posts before being scrambled clear, and Benito Lowe also went close when his fierce strike was tipped over the bar by Cameron Terry.
Shenton made three changes at the break, including the welcome return of Chiekh Thiam after a long absence through injury. Avro laid siege to the Witton goal in the second period, but the visitors’ defence held firm, with former Ro stalwart Geffry Ebhote outstanding at the heart of it. A brilliant double save by Terry to deny first Jack Atkinson and then Lowe summed up their afternoon as Albion progressed at the expense of their higher ranked opponents.
Avro: Vilar Robinson, Ehimamiegho (Thiam 46), Thompson, Morrow (c), Fitzpatrick, Harrop, Cottrell (Dyson 46), Davidson (Atkinson 46), Simms (Smith 66), Holland-Wilkinson (Salt 66), Lowe.
