Fitzpatrick on the spot for Avro

Goalmouth action as Avro defeated Atherton Collieries. Image courtesy of Josh Brierley, Avro FC

A shot from the spot secured Avro a 1-0 victory in their season opener at home against Atherton Collieries.

It was the first time in the known history of both clubs that the two sides have met and a crowd of 300 people turned up to watch the historic occasion.

Avro were unlucky not to win the match by a greater margin with the visiting keeper, Ellis Linterland, making several fine saves to keep The Stripes in the contest.

The shot stopper was announced on Friday afternoon, (August 9) by Atherton Collieries after joining on a short-term loan from Bolton Wanderers.

Down the other end, Avro keeper Grant Shenton was rarely tested throughout the match with the home side’s defensive back line doing their job well.

Avro pressured the Atherton Colleries goal on several occasions in the first-half, but the visitors held firm to see the game go into the break goalless at half-time.

Upon the commencement of the second-half, Avro turned up the pressure and started attacking at will.

A penalty shout went up from the RO in the 58th minute, but was waved away by the referee.

Twelve minutes went by before another man from Avro was brought down in the box - this time it was Geffry Ebhote and the referee blew his whistle to signify the penalty.

David Fitzpatrick stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the penalty by delivering a hard shot that beat the opposition keeper to put Avro ahead 1-0.

In the dying stages of the match, Avro nearly made it 2-0 thanks to Mike Phenix, who pushed forward but was stopped by Linterland who had to put his body on the line to halt the score being doubled.

Avro will next be in action tomorrow night (Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm) as they travel to Wythenshawe Town for their second league fixture of the season.

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