Avro ended their 2024/25 Northern Premier League West campaign with a 1-1 draw at home against Chasetown yesterday afternoon. A result which ends a positive season, seeing Avro finish 7th in the league on 64 points, 6 points better off than last season’s total of 58 points.
The Ro were bolstered with the return of Jake Cottrell, Kyle Hawley, and Deane Smalley into the starting line-up from Monday’s bank holiday draw against Trafford. This translated onto the pitch and Avro took the lead in the 9th minute thanks to Liam Ellis, who scored his 12th league goal of the season. It was a great team display for the opening goal, with the ball being played forwards from the back involving multiple players. The ball was played through to Liam Ellis, and he made no mistake in slotting past Sargeant in the Chasetown goal to put The Ro ahead.
With Chasetown already being confirmed contenders in this year’s play-offs, they weren’t playing under any pressure but would still want to continue their positive league form heading into next week’s deciding fixtures. Just four minutes after falling behind, the visitors found themselves level. It was an unfortunate event for Deane Smalley as his attempted header backwards had too much force and was past Grant Shenton.
Avro looked to respond to the unfortunate leveller soon after with a fast break from AJ Warburton. He did well to work his way forwards and lay the ball off for Liam Ellis, but his effort was saved comfortably by the Chasetown keeper.
The rest of the half was played at a reduced intensity with the only chance falling the way of Chasetown, but it was a great defensive block from Deane Smalley to prevent the attempt heading goal wards. The sides headed into the break level with a goal apiece.
It was a bright start to the second half for Avro and the first chance fell the way of Brandon Barker. He brought the ball down well and, despite his shot from distance dipping towards goal, it didn’t have the pace to trouble the Chasetown keeper. Brandon Barker and Harry Bunn showed their quality with many of the Avro play coming from the pair.
The Ro turned to the bench as they looked to inject some intensity into the game and capitalise on earlier chances that hadn’t been taken. These changes saw Oliver Putnam, Darren Ehimamiegho, Harry Salt, Sam Davidson, and Kane Hickman all introduced within a short period.
With three minutes of additional time added, it looked like the game was heading for a stalemate. However, Harry Salt had a great chance to win the game with his first Avro goal. He was played through on goal and slotted the ball past Sargeant, only for his attempt to strike the post. Just inches away from clinching a late victory.
This is how the game remained and Avro were forced to settle for a point on the final day.
We would like to thank the efforts and support of all of the fans, players and staff associated with the club for what has been another great campaign for The Ro, finishing 7th in the league and securing a place in the semi-finals of the Fenix Trophy.
The season isn’t quite done for Avro yet, with the final stages of the Fenix Trophy taking place in Italy from May 9th-12th.
