Avenue on right road to vital victory

AVENUE picked up three points with a 2-1 win over The Duke of Wellington in The Sun Chemical Division One.

Despite a heavy pitch both sides were able to play good football.

Avenue began to get control on the game; Aaron Wade looked impressive in the middle of the park as The Duke of Wellington began to be restricted into their own half.

Both sides were unable to clinch a goal and so the first half ended at 0-0.

In the second half Avenue began the way they had finished the first half and Duke were almost non-existent with Avenue creating all the chances.

Avenue manager, Adam Thomas made a double substitution and the two subs combined for the opening goal. Avenue won a corner, Liam Nicholson crossed onto Sean Schofield’s head to make it 1-0.

The Duke never gave up and were rewarded for their determination mid-way through the half.

A lapse in concentration from the Avenue defence allowed Duke a chance, which they converted to level the scoreline at 1-1.

Avenue kept pushing forward; their attacking threat was relentless but were unable to find a clinical finish to their good work.

12 minutes from time Luke Woodall found his way into the Duke box before being bundled down, the penalty was awarded for Avenue.

Former Duke winger Stuart Mercer stepped up and converted the penalty calmly to the keeper’s right.

Adam Thomas, manager of Avenue, said: “It was a very good win and a better performance which was needed after recent weeks.

“All credit to Duke who gave a good account of themselves.

“I am extremely proud of the players today for the way they conducted themselves in not the best of conditions.

“Hopefully, this is our catalyst now to find our form again and climb back into the mix at the top of the table.”

Woodhouse United were held to a 4-4 draw against Heyside in the Sun Chemical Division Two.

After 10 minutes, Woodhouse had come close several times whilst dominating possession but were unable to capitalise on their quick start.

Against the run of play, Heyside got a corner which Dave Buckley scored from to give his side the lead.

Heyside had their tails up scoring straight after from another corner through Rob Christie, Heyside looked to be cruising at 2-0.

Woodhouse did pull one back before the interval – the ball zipped across the Heyside back-line before Adam Gray poked home.

Momentum was with Woodhouse, and before long they had equalised through Joe Connor.

At 2-2, weak defending lead to Heyside scoring a third goal, when they hit a strike flying past the outstretched goalkeeper.

Woodhouse came out the strongest in the second half with Joe Connor heading home early on to make it 3-3.

Heyside once again took the lead when a defensive mistake left Niall Walker one-on-one to neatly place the ball past the keeper.

However, Jim Crowther’s brilliant free-kick saved a point for Woodhouse.

Woodhouse manager Jack Naylor commented, “Woodhouse just didn’t turn up and tried playing complicated football instead of simple pass and go football which in the end caused more problems than necessary.

“From the start the lads were too quiet which caused the mistakes for the goals as nobody followed the ball from set pieces.”

However, he was optimistic looking forward to their next fixture.

“We now move on to a tough game against Mark Twain where we hope to get back to winning ways and push for promotion.”

Heyside manager Paul Shea said: “That was the best performance of the season from Heyside unlucky not to come away with all three points after taking the lead, but it was a spirited fight-back from Woodhouse United.”