Avro saw their play-off ambitions come to a close yesterday afternoon, as a 1-1 draw with Stafford Rangers meant that The Ro can no longer catch Chasetown with just two league games remaining. It was a late penalty from the visitors that levelled the match up, cancelling out a goal from James Dwyer early in the second half.
Avro were handed a boost with players returning from injury and suspension. David Fitzpatrick was back in the starting line-up for The Ro, while Jake Cottrell was named amongst the substitutions after his return from injury. There was once again chance for the youth with Harry Salt and Isaac Lopes named amongst the subs.
The opening chances of the game came the way of Avro, with Jack Morrow registering a couple of attempts on goal. His first attempt from the edge of the posts, was fired just over the bar. This strike was close to giving Avro the dream start inside five minutes. Soon after, Jack Morrow attempted another strike from distance, this time with his left foot, but this attempt was just wide of the post.
David Fitzpatrick was back in the side and Avro relied on him to keep the game level at 0-0 on the half hour mark. It was a brilliant last ditch defensive effort which prevented Stafford taking the lead.
An effort from distance from Malakai McKenzie forced a strong save from Leon Phillips in the Stafford goal, but this rounded of a relatively even first half and both sides headed into the break level at 0-0. With both sides being in form in recent weeks, it was poised to be a second half of action.
It was Avro who started the second half the better side and this was rewarded in the 52ndminute when The Ro took the lead through James Dwyer. His effort from the edge of the box bounced over Phillips’ dive to put The Ro ahead. This continued his fine season in front of goal, with this being his 4th league goal of the season.
Avro continued their positive start to the second half and created chances through Kyle Hawley and Malakai McKenzie as The Ro looked to double their lead. Both attempts, however, sailed just wide of the post.
Despite a comfortable game for Avro, the visitors grew into the game and began to create chances late on in the game. In the 75th minute, it was Stafford who created a couple of chances on goal, but Grant Shenton was equal to both and made two comfortable saves to keep Avro ahead.
However, in the closing stages of the game, Stafford Rangers found themselves level with a goal from the penalty spot. This was converted by James McQuilkin to level the game at 1-1. Deep into injury time, Stafford almost took the lead, but this chance wasn’t converted and, despite Avro having the better chances in the game, Stafford may feel unlucky to not leave The Vestacare with all three points.It is a quick turnaround next for Avro who return to league action tomorrow afternoon, Monday 21st April, with a bank holiday trip to Trafford. This is the final away fixture of the season for The Ro so they will be looking to round it off in style as we enter the final week of the season.
