Avro played out the perfect performance to respond to midweek setback in a dominant 3-1 win against Clitheroe this afternoon. AJ Warburton scored twice and Liam Ellis made it double figures in the league this season in a convincing win.
It was a welcome return to the squad for Dom Smalley who, after returning from injury, was named back in the starting line-up. It was a makeshift back line which saw David Fitzpatrick starting in a central defence role and Chiekh Thiam sitting deeper at left back.
It was a great start from Avro who came into the game determined to return to winning ways after a disappointing result midweek in a 4-0 defeat to Widnes. The Ro had a great chance early on to go ahead. After a mistake from Clitheroe keeper Hakan Burton, the ball fell to the feet of Liam Ellis who had a great chance at converting. But Hakan Burton did well to recover from the mistake and force a strong save.
The dominant start from Avro continued and this was rewarded in the 14th minute when The Ro found themselves ahead. Dom Smalley made a great run down the right-hand side; he showed no lack of sharpness after his return from injury. He then delivered a great ball into the box, and this was met at the near post by AJ Warburton to put Avro ahead.
As Clitheroe looked to get back into the game, they were met by a series of fine saves from Grant Shenton. The first of which coming from a header in by Leon Creech, as it appeared to be nestling in the top corner, Shenton was across well to make a fine stop.
As we headed into the closing stages of the first half, Avro continued to show their attacking threat and had a couple of great chances to extend the lead. The right-hand side was the chosen side for Avro and the next chance once again came this way. Malakai McKenzie was through on the wing and put a great ball into the box, Liam Ellis met this at the near post, but his strike came off the post and out for a goal kick.
Into the second half, Avro continued their fine attacking performance and just 5 minutes into the half, Avro doubled their lead and have a firm grip on the game. A great initial header from AJ Warburton hit the post and he was there to meet the rebound and claim his second goal of the game.
Avro continued to pose a constant threat to Clitheroe on the wings and, with 20 minutes to play, The Ro made it 3-0. A great individual run from Malakai McKenzie saw him sail through the Clitheroe defence but a last-ditch tackle from Jordan Windass saw Avro win a corner. This was delivered in and met by the head of Liam Ellis, who made no mistake in putting Avro three ahead.
In recent weeks, Avro have had the luxury of having attacking players on the bench. The Ro utilised this option this afternoon as Kyle Hawley, Sheriff Njie were all introduced to the game. They replaced Liam Ellis, Harry Bunn and Malakai McKenzie.
With just 10 minutes left to play, Clitheroe were awarded the chance to get back into the game after winning a penalty. This was taken and converted by Veron Parny.
This was how it stayed as Avro held firm and provided a great response to defeat midweek.
Next up, it’s another European night at The Vestacare on Wednesday night when we welcome Oslo FC for the next round of the Fenix Trophy. A reminder that this reverts back to a two-leg fixture, with the return leg in Oslo coming a week on Monday, 10th March.
