Redemption for lucky Lee

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: PHIL Brown celebrated winning his first piece of silverware as Avro boss when his side defeated Wythenshawe Town 2-1 after extra-time, to claim the Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy.

It could have been so different after Lee O’Brien’s penalty miss, but he redeemed himself with an extra-time winner.

Avro, who are on course for a second successive Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division title, didn't have it all their own way against battling Wythenshawe from the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

Kelvin White's 15th minute effort established a one-goal lead for Brown’s side, only for Wythenshawe to pull themselves level 10 minutes later.

Avro struck the woodwork three times after that, but the tie ultimately went to a period of extra-time.

A delighted Brown said: "It's a good feeling obviously to win my first major honour with Avro.

“Even though it wasn’t jittery, it was not as cut and dry as I would have liked.

“We started really well, and played some fantastic stuff for half-an-hour.

“We got our noses in front but then they equalised from the only mistake we made in the game.

“It got Wythenshawe’s tails up and they had a go, but that said, their only real attempt at goal was the one they scored.

“Lee O’Brien redeemed himself for the missed penalty by getting the winner in extra-time.

“I think it was the right outcome. Wythenshawe did well but we did not deserve to lose.”

Focus now turns to Avro’s push for the Premier Division title.

Brown added: “We have two season-defining games coming up, at Hindsford and then at Stockport Georgians, who can draw level on points with us if they win their games in hand.

“If we come through those two matches unscathed we will be in with a good chance of winning the title — but it will not be easy.”