A second half penalty from Jake Cottrell ensured Avro returned to winning ways in a 0-1 away win at Hanley Town. It was a game where Avro dominated proceedings, but Hanley showed their battling spirit and made it hard for Avro to create any clear chances throughout the game.
The Ro were boosted before the game after announcing a trio of signings before the game. This saw Brandon Barker, Malakai McKenzie and Sheriff Njie all join Avro in a real attacking boost. After his 4-game suspension, Kane Hickman also returned to the starting line-up. It was a story of new and returning faces which created an exciting look to the starting eleven.
Early on, Avro started well and enjoyed a spell of possession in the Hanley half. This saw both Brandon Barker and Benito Lowe link up well and create chances for Avro to take an early lead. It was, on his debut, Brandon Barker who forced the first save from Adam Whitehouse in the Hanley goal after his strike from the edge of the box forced a strong save which was parried out for an Avro corner.
David Birch and Mike Norton were forced into an early change after Jack Morrow suffered a knee injury. Sam Davidson was brought on to replace him. We wish Jack a speedy recovery!
It was a heroic challenge in the 37th minute from Kane Wallwork to keep Avro in the game. Hanley broke away and Dan Jones was through on goal. He calmly rounded Grant Shenton and looked destined to put Hanley ahead with a simple finish. However, Kane Wallwork worked back well to make a last-ditch challenge to clear the ball away for a corner.
There were 2 changes at the break with David Fitzpatrick coming on to replace Kane Wallwork and Malakai McKenzie coming on for his Avro debut, replacing AJ Warburton. It was an instant impact from Malakai, who tested the Hanley defence straight from the off. He turned well onto goal and his shot was blocked by what appeared to be the hand of a Hanley defender. However, appeals for a penalty were waved away from the referee.
The key moment of the game came in the 70th minute. Chiekh Thiam bursted through on goal and was brought down in the box, the referee made no hesitation in awarding Avro a penalty. Once again, it was Jake Cottrell who stepped up once again to cooly convert to put Avro ahead.
Sheriff Njie and Kyle Hawley were also introduced to the game, replacing Benito Lowe and Brandon Barker. It was Malakai McKenzie and Sheriff Njie who both ran proceedings in impressive debuts for the pair. Both created chances and battled well on either wing, offering promise to the Avro attack going forward.
It was Avro who held on to the lead and comfortably saw out the rest of the game, clinching a 0-1 away win.
Next up, Avro return to The Vestacare on Wednesday when we welcome league leaders Widnes in what appears to be an intriguing fixture.
