Spot-on Avro keep double dream alive
Reporter: John Gilder
Date published: 29 January 2010
MY BALL . . . Avro’s James Hampton (left) battles for possession with Will Mellor
Royton Town 1, Avro 1 after extra time (Avro 4-3 penalties)
Fuller’s men win battle of nerves in penalty shoot-out
AVRO moved into the semi-finals of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Gilgryst Cup after holding their nerve in a penalty shoot-out against neighbours Royton Town at Glebe Street.
The premier division title-chasers went ahead after 26 minutes when James Hampson scored from the penalty spot after being upended.
Town were level within 15 minutes. Will Mellor played a neat one-two with Gareth Brooks inside the Avro half before slotting the ball calmly beyond Jake Edwards.
This was never a classic derby tussle, but there were some good attacking moments from both sides.
The tie reached its penalty climax after both sides failed to score again during the 90 minutes and period of extra-time which followed.
Avro manager Rob Fuller said: “We started brightly and deserved to take the lead but, equally, Town deserved their equaliser.
“It was a poor game and the effects of both teams not having played for six weeks showed.
“The two goalkeepers were the best players on the pitch.”
Town manager Phil Haigh said: “I don’t think any team deserved to lose, but we had the better of the possession and we should have had two penalties.
“The referee played an advantage on both occasions, but it didn’t work out for us.
“I’m disappointed with the result, but very pleased with the lads who put in a good performance.”
Martin Barnesgott, Daniel Grimshaw, Mike Barnesgott and Steve Morris scored from the penalty spot for Avro, while Edwards saved two of the Town penalty kicks from Mellor and Chris McKay.
Michael Moss, Adam Ruddock and Fraser Hatton converted for Town.
Avro are now in a great position to emulate Town’s double success of several years ago when they won the premier division title and Gilgryst Cup.
Teams —
ROYTON TOWN: Birchenall, Hulme, Dean, Fraser, Simmons, McKay, Peers, Mellor, Brookes, Moss, Titterington. Subs: Hatton, Ruddock.
AVRO: Edwards, Morris, Thornton, Hoskins, Harris, Garmory
