Brown: We must be at our best in final

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: AVRO boss Phil Brown has warned his players they will have to be on top of their game tonight in the Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy Final.

Brown’s men take on Wythenshawe Town at Sportcity (7pm kick-off).

Avro are enjoying a fine run of form but their manager is taking nothing for granted against the Lancashire and Cheshire League outfit.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as an underdog in a cup final, because they are clearly good enough to beat all those other teams along the way.

“The form book goes out of the window.

“Finals are strange. It can be down to who gets a lucky break.

“But what we are in control of is our attitude, and the players know their focus has to be spot-on.”

As well as battling it out for silverware in knockout competitions, Avro are also four points clear at the top of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division. They are in good form after beating second-placed Manchester Gregorians 2-1.

“This division is always tight because everyone beats everyone, but the main thing is, our destiny is in our own hands,” said Brown.

Royton Town enjoyed a 2-0 win at Wythenshawe Amateurs.

The sides switched the fixture to Wythenshawe in order to guarantee the match went ahead.

Town took the lead after 26 minutes rather fortunately when the Wythenshawe defender handled the ball as it struck him from close range.

Fraser Hatton took it in his stride as he easily scored from the penalty spot.

Wythenshawe then took a period to recompose themselves after feelings ran high and Town threatened to score a second.

Alan Beckett and Michael Moss continued to torment the home defence but were struggling to create any chances.

In midfield Town had Andrew Wade and Jonny Harrison running proceedings with Wayne Dean threatening whenever on the ball.

It took Town until the last minute to confirm all three points when another penalty, this time from Chris McKay, was comfortably despatched into the corner of the net.

Springhead came from two goals down to record a 4-2 triumph at Old Alts.

The hosts took the lead after 22 minutes and soon doubled their advantage.

But Ben Fletcher reduced the deficit seconds before half-time.

Josh Walker nodded home Frankie Byrnes’ throw-in to level matters 10 minutes after the restart.

An own goal put the visitors in front for the first time, and with 15 minutes remaining Liam Boden headed in a corner to seal the three points.

Basement boys Hollinwood sealed a rare victory after edging out Walshaw Sports 3-2.