Brown makes winning start
Reporter: John Gilder
Date published: 15 October 2010
Springhead 3, Avro 5
FOOTBALL: MAKE no mistake about it, Avro are back, as evidenced by a five-goal salvo at Springhead in the Manchester League Premier Division.
Avro got off to a sluggish start in their defence of the title, but now, under new manager Phil Brown, look all set to climb the table and regain their rightful place at the top.
Brown (53) is no stranger to football at this level, having managed teams across Manchester with an excellent record of success.
When Rob Fuller stepped down as Avro manager just five days before the Springhead game, Brown was more than happy to fill the breach.
Brown said: "I've always managed winning teams and the aim now for Avro is to hang on to the title and the cups.
"I was a number two at Hollinwood last season and, after it all went a bit pear-shaped there, I was happy to take the chance of being the number one at Avro."
Brown's side were in a commanding 3-0 lead at the break, in a match hampered by the blustery conditions at Ashfield Crescent on an otherwise sunny afternoon.
Springhead rallied but it was a case of too little, too late as Avro emerged deserved winners.
Brown said: "Springhead stood off us a bit in the first half and we punished them for that.
"We then conceded two really sloppy goals close together and that made the scoreline more respectable for Springhead."
Lee McAllister, the Springhead manager, was left to rue his side's first half showing.
McAllister said: "For some reason, our first half performances have let us down all season.
"We showed Avro far too much respect and it is a case of winning the battles.”
Springhead were without the services of leading marksman Richard Bennett and McAllister added: "Richard is probably the best striker in this division and we missed his forward thrust against Avro."
