By Liam Price, photo by Jonathan White
The Dabbers’ final home game of the season on Saturday (3pm kick-off) sees us renew acquaintances with Avro, who are still in with a shout of winning the title.
Children of the Avro-lution
What a season it has been for Avro. Once again they have made progress in only their 3rd season at Step 4. 8th in 23/24, 7th in 24/25 and currently 2nd this season, with the absolute worst they can finish being 4th.
But they still have eyes on the league title. They are 2 points behind Bury with 2 games to go. It means they will more than likely have to be perfect against the Dabbers and Darlaston as well as hope Bury drop points against Witton and/or Atherton for that to be achieved. But even if that doesn’t work out, a play-off campaign, ideally with a home semi-final, would be a superb result for them.
Other than a slip at the end of March where they lost to Kidsgrove and Bootle back-to-back, the form has been very strong in the run-in. They have won 9 of their last 12 league games to see off the threats of Lower Breck and a resurgent Stalybridge and turn it into a 2-horse title race.
They are the best side in the NPL West away from home. 12 wins and 40 points are higher numbers than anyone else which stands them in good stead for this their last away game of the season.
The one thing they are lacking is clean sheets, only 2 in their last 17 league games. In a potential play-off semi final or final, typically very tight games, that is something that they may need to rectify. It’s quite the turnaround too, as they have 15 overall which is the second most in the division.
Last Time We Met
This is the 4th meeting between the sides this season. There were 2 games in the FA Cup in August and September, a 1-1 draw away with that record breaking fast goal by Byron Harrison and a 2-0 Nantwich win in the replay with that brilliant late double from Byron Moore. Avro got their revenge in the last meeting in the league in November, however, winning 1-0. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Barring a big turnaround, Kyle Hawley is going to win the NPL West Golden Boot. He has 4 more goals than anyone else with 25. Nantwich’s Alex Panter is 6 behind on 19, joint 3rd on the list.
It’s been Darrhyl Mason and Taylor Dyson who have also carried a goalscoring threat for Avro this month. Both were on the scoresheet in a dominant 4-1 win at Vauxhall in their last game.
Harry Salt scored the winner in the last Avro-Nantwich game and will be a danger again in their forward line.
Match Information
Tickets are available online HERE or with card or cash on the gate.
Please be careful with parking and avoid parking on the road that leads into the housing estate next to the stadium as it causes bad traffic issues.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.
And don’t forget to cast your votes for the Dabbers Player and Young Player of the Season! Paper ballots will be available at the Green Rock Group Fan Zone bar. If you’re not going to be at the game or forget, then don’t worry as online voting will start later this weekend, and will be combined with the paper ballots. Goal of the Season voting will also be on the online vote only.