Avro take a 5-goal advantage to Oslo for the return leg on Monday after a convincing 6-1 victory at The Vestacare last night. It was another well attended fixture, and we’d like to thank everyone who attended to make it another special night under the lights. Local boxer Jack Rafferty was key face in the Avro section while Manchester City striker Oscar Bobb was showing his support for his Norwegian colleagues.
Although it was a dominant performance from The Ro in the previous round, FC Oslo also showed their strength in a 13-1 aggregate victory against Krakow Dragoons. Therefore, David Birch and Mike Norton named a strong starting line-up as we headed into the match looking to take a lead back to Oslo for the return leg. This included Kyle Hawley starting up top as he continues his return from injury, Jake Cottrell captaining the side and the ever-present Grant Shenton in goal. However, amongst the bench there was also opportunities for Harry Salt and Lewis McGill with both academy players named on the bench.
In a 6-2 win against Gilla FC in the last round, Kyle Hawley claimed a hat-trick and the Avro striker showed his intention to repeat that this time around as his header in the 5th minute put The Ro 1-0 up. Before the game, David Birch called for Avro to “have a high work rate and create chances” and The Ro did just that. In the 23rd minute, Kyle Hawley was played through on goal and made no mistake slotting past the Oslo keeper to make it 2-0. Just a minute later, Avro had 3 and Kyle Hawley had 3 as he completed his second Fenix Trophy hat-trick in as many games. Despite late chances from AJ Warburton and Brandon Barker, it was 3-0 at the break and Avro remained in firm control of the tie.
Just 2 minutes into the second half and Avro made it 4-0. After his double at the weekend, AJ Warburton wasted no time to get his name back on the scoresheet. Next it was Sheriff Njie who troubled the Oslo defence, he was through on goal and rounded the keeper before he appeared to be brought down in the box. However, the referee was quick to dismiss these appeals.
On the hour mark, David Birch and Mike Norton introduced 4 new faces to the game. Harry Salt, Dillon Edmundson, Jack Morrow, and Deane Smalley came on to replace Sheriff Njie, AJ Warburton, Kyle Hawley, and Sam Davidson. With his first touch of the game, Deane Smalley made it 5-0 to Avro after his strike from inside the box nestled into the bottom corner.
After his introduction, Harry Salt showed no signs of nerves as he was straight into the action and his quick feet and determination continued to trouble the FC Oslo defence. After sailing through the defence, Harry worked his way into the box before being brought down and Avro were awarded a penalty. Chiekh Thiam stepped up and saw his penalty saved, but he was there to fire home the rebound off the crossbar to make it 6-0 to Avro.
Late on, FC Oslo finally found a way through the Avro defence and claimed a consolation goal in the 89th minute thanks to Isak Brodahl. Next up for The Ro is a trip to Kidsgrove on Saturday before we travel to Oslo to play the return leg defending a 6-1 advantage.
