By Liam Price, photo by Jonathan White
After a bumpy couple of games in the league, the Dabbers turn their attention back to the FA Cup, however in many ways it is like another league game as we travel to face fellow NPL West side Avro on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Av a Nice Day
Avro’s record in the league is exactly the same as the Dabbers’: 5 games played, 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. Even the goals are the same: 7 scored and 6 conceded.
After winning away on the opening day at Stafford and holding Bury to a score draw in their first home game, they then lost away to Bootle and at home to Shifnal, before getting back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Mossley on Monday.
To progress in the FA Cup, they beat Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-1 away, a location Nantwich fans will remember from the FA Trophy a couple of years ago.
Last Time We Met
Nantwich have never beaten Avro in the 4 previous meetings; 2 draws at home and 2 defeats away. The last meeting was in the league at the Swansway in April, when Callum Saunders cancelled out AJ Warburton’s opener for a 1-1 draw. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Warburton was their standout player for much of last season and earned himself a move to Marine in National League North in the summer.
In his absence, Kyle Hawley has continued without much fuss; their top scorer last season with 15, he already has 6 in all competitions for this season. He was also sent off for two yellows in that last game against the Dabbers in April so will want to put that right on the pitch, ideally by finding the net once again.
In fact, there have been red cards in 3 of the 4 games between the two sides, 1 for Nantwich and 2 for Avro, so the referee could have his hands full on Saturday if that pattern continues.
The goalkeeper in the 4 previous games for Avro against the Dabbers is now their manager; Grant Shenton took over in April. His replacement in goal is Cam Mason, formerly of Chester and Guiseley among others.
Match Information
Parking at the Vestacare Stadium is free but please make sure to sign in with your reg number at the bar on arrival.
Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for concessions, £6 for U21s, £3 for U16s and free for U8s.