Home struggles continue as Shelley lose out against Avro

SHELLEY’s home woes continued as Avro claimed a 3-1 win which left the Stafflex Arena side sixth in the Hallmark Security North West Counties League First Division North.

Like their Oldham-based visitors, Ash Berry’s men went into the match chasing a fourth straight victory, only to suffer a third successive home loss in all competitions.

Shelley did knock higher-level visitors Penistone Church out of the FA Vase, but only two of their eight league wins have been on their own turf, while four of their five defeats have been at home.

That said, third-place Avro’s success wasn’t quite as comfortable as the scoreline might suggest.

Two down at half-time to a Michael Norton penalty and a neat Joe Bevan finish, Shelley pulled one back through prolific striker Craig Billington, and were pushing for an equaliser when midfielder Dan Keane was red carded on 74 minutes for talking out of turn.

Avro sealed the three points with a last-minute goal by Kane Wallwork, nephew of former Huddersfield Town, West Brom and Manchester United midfielder Ronnie Wallwork.

Last season’s Manchester League champions played some neat football, but Shelley, also new to the North West Counties this term, gave them a good test.

The home side, without regulars Josi Bradshaw and Matty Waller through injury, had a strong-looking penalty appeal turned down as Jordan Smith was halted by Jordan Latham after pushing the ball past the keeper.

Avro then won a 21st-minute spotkick after Bevan went down under Israel Johnson’s tackle, and Norton scored with the minimum of fuss.

And the tricky Bevan doubled the lead on 38 minutes after home keeper Paul Day denied ex-FC United of Manchester skipper Norton twice in quick succession.

In the second half, Day thwarted both Jake Pollard and former Accrington Stanley man Joe Rathbone before Billington bagged his 18th goal of the season, netting at the second attempt after his first effort hit a post.

Day again saved from Pollard, but couldn’t stop Wallwork from claiming Avro’s third.

“The lads put in a great effort, but it wasn’t to be,” said Berry.

“But there is a lot of spirit and a lot of desire in this group, and we’ll bounce back.”

Shelley return to action on Saturday, when they host Barrow side Holker Old Boys, who are fresh from a surprise 2-1 win at AFC Liverpool.