Nantwich Town made it through to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory over Avro FC after two late goals from Byron Moore, writes Oliver Shorland.
The Dabbers made two changes from last weekend’s trip to Avro with Joe Robbins and Josh Williams coming into the side.
The opening exchanges of the game were cagey, with neither side keen to concede early doors.
The first chance came for the home side as Joel Connolly was able to clip in Aidy Roxburgh but his fierce shot was fired wide.
Avro had a chance as the Dabbers defence was caught cold, but Kyle Hawley elected to try and bring it down with Nantwich able to recover.
Roxburgh was then able to sneak his way past the Avro backline but his fired into the side netting.
The away side’s first real opportunity of the game came from a wicked cross from Chiekh Thiam, but Hawley was unable to convert.
Some good play from the Dabbers saw them able to find Roxburgh on the flank but the cross was collected by Cian O’Shea in the Avro goal.
The away side then had a free kick in a promising position shortly after with Jake Cottrell’s effort curled over the crossbar.
Just minutes into the second half, Dabbers captain Kelvin Mellor was forced off with a knock for Perry Bircumshaw. Avro also made their first change with Sam Davidson replacing Kane Hickman.
A second change for the Dabbers then saw Ben Greenop replace Joe Robbins on 57 minutes.
Greenop was able to latch onto a flick on from Harrison, but he was denied by an Avro defence that had held strong all game.
Bircumshaw beat his defender and won a corner which was sent just wide by Paddy Kennedy with O’Shea almost at full stretch.
Alex Panter ran on to another Harrison flick and fired the ball across the box which was nearly turned into his own net by Avro’s Fortune Maphosa.
Dabbers brought on Byron Moore for Panter with just over 10 minutes to go.
And the substitution paid dividends when Moore was played in and able to slot the ball into the back of the net to give the hosts the lead.
Any chance of an Avro comeback was put to bed moments later as Bircumshaw was able to ride the challenge of an Avro defender and square to Moore for an easy finish.
Nantwich now face a home tie against fellow NPL side Trafford FC in the next round.
Jon Moran’s side have FA Trophy action this weekend against Ossett United.
(Images courtesy of Jonathan White)
Recent Comments