Avro made it 6 league games unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against Nantwich Town yesterday afternoon. It was a balanced affair between the sides, and it came down to two late goals apiece on the afternoon to share the spoils.
The Ro headed into this game without numerous first team players due to injury and suspension. These included the likes of Jake Cottrell, Dom Smalley and Kane Hickman. However, it was still a strong side named with Grant Shenton captaining Avro. Brandon Barker and Sam Rathbone were also back into the matchday squads, with both named on the bench.
It was a fast start from Avro who almost found themselves ahead in the 10th minute of the game. AJ Warburton was played through on goal, but the Nantwich keeper did well to save his attempt, and again so with the follow up from Kyle Hawley. Just 10 minutes later and Avro had a chance on goal again, this time coming the way of Liam Ellis. He broke clear down the right-hand side but he couldn’t convert his effort on target.
The Ro continued to apply first half pressure and created more chances on goal. With just 10 minutes left of the first half, AJ Warburton squared the ball to Kyle Hawley, but he saw his goal bound effort blocked by the Nantwich defence. However, Avro failed to break the deadlock, and the two sides headed into half time level at 0-0.
It was a relatively quiet start to the second half with neither side managing to work their way forwards and create any chances. In an attempt to change this balance, Avro made two changes. These changes saw Sam Davidson and Liam Ellis replaced by Brandon Barker and Malakai McKenzie.
In the 75th minute, the deadlock was broken, and it was Avro who found themselves ahead! It was a brilliant run out wide by Malakai McKenzie, he then played through AJ Warburton who slid the ball comfortably past Garratt to put Avro ahead. This strike saw AJ Warburton to become the second Avro player to reach double figures in the league this season, with Liam Ellis also sitting on 10 league goals.
However, it was a quick response from Nantwich Town. This quickly paid off as the hosts found themselves level in the 82nd minute thanks to a strike from Callum Saunders.
After this equaliser, the afternoon got slightly worse for Avro after Kyle Hawley was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card. There was slight controversy to this decision as it wasn’t clear that an initial yellow card was awarded to Kyle. However, the decision stood, and Avro were forced to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.
Despite having 10 men, Avro comfortably saw out the rest of the game and The Ro clinched a point on the road in a 1-1 draw. With Chasetown beating Wythenshawe 3-0, this sees Avro sitting 6 points away from the play-off places with just 4 league games remaining.
Avro are back in action next Saturday, once again being on the road as we make the trip to face Runcorn Linnets.
