Avro sunk at Stalybridge
Date published: 10 October 2024
Avro joint manager Mike Norton. Image courtesy of Avro FC
A late surge at the Stalybridge goal wasn’t enough to force an equaliser as Avro left Bower Fold empty handed following a 1-0 defeat against Celtic.
Joint managers Mike Norton and David Birch made two changes from defeat midweek as AJ Warburton and Darren Ehimamiegho came into the starting XI, replacing Craig Carney and Geffry Ebhote.
It was a disastrous start for Avro as Stalybridge took the lead in the second minute of the game.
Joe Duckworth carried the ball into the penalty area and slid the ball through to Jack Irlam who smartly slotted the ball past Grant Shenton in the Avro net.
It was a positive response from Avro who had most of the possession after falling behind early on with a couple of half chances on goal from Jake Cottrell and Liam Ellis.
The Ro also had a penalty claim dismissed from the match official after a cross from AJ Warburton appeared to strike the hand of a Stalybridge defender.
Sam Davidson was the first player of the afternoon to be booked after a high foot on Stalybridge captain Liam Tongue.
David Fitzpatrick and Max Harrop also joined Sam Davidson in the book soon after which rounded up a frustrating first half performance.
Avro headed into the break a goal behind as the rest of the first half was made up of half chances with neither goalkeeper having any serious work to do.
In the second half, a clear sense of urgency was shown from the Avro players who got the ball forwards and showed more intensity in their play.
This was quickly rewarded with a corner as a Max Harrop shot was deflected wide.
However, Avro couldn’t create any clear chances for most of the half despite the possession they held for so long.
Sam Davidson was on the receiving end of two bad tackles within as many minutes with Max Leonard being booked for the first challenge and Tongue booked for the second challenge.
The afternoon got even worse when Sam Davidson himself then received a second yellow card after a high foot on Tongue.
At the closing stages of the game five additional minutes was added on where Avro forced a series of corners with Ehimamiegho going closest with a shot on goal inside the box which was cleared off the line.
Despite the late surge of possession and chances it was to no avail as the full-time whistle was blown and Avro had to submit defeat.
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