Avery is the unlikely hero for Heathens at Wallingford
Ryan Avery was the unlikely hero for Flackwell Heath on Saturday as his brace of goals secured the side a 2-1 victory at Wallingford Sports Park.
After Bradley Walton had converted a penalty for Wallingford & Crowmarsh in the 28th minute, Avery made sure the Heathens would enter the break on level terms with a poked finish.
A red card shown to captain Jamie Essex in the 73rd minute presented Chris Ayres’ men another challenge but Avery stepped up to it – the right back nodding in a winning goal late on.
The result lifts Flackwell Heath to fourth place ahead of their clash with Wembley at Wilks Park. The Lions are eighth after 13 games played with seven wins and five losses.
“I was incredibly pleased to be on the scoresheet against Wallingford,” Avery said to the Advertiser earlier this week.
“One goal is normally an achievement for me so to score two was a
great feeling, especially that it helped bring three points home. I think it was a deserved win even though we weren’t firing on all cylinders. Apart from the penalty, Isaac (Hay) didn’t have many saves to make while we tested their ‘keeper on a few occasions. The conditions were tough, and everyone showed great character to turn the game around after falling behind.
“When Jamie got the red card we had to change our shape slightly but we never looked to sit in and take a point. Getting the win was the only thing on our mind throughout the whole game.
“Going a man down didn’t change our approach, our legs in midfield were incredible, and it felt like we had 11 men still on the pitch.
“I want to give a big thank you to the away fans too. There was a large group who travelled, and we appreciate all of the support.”
On this Saturday’s game, Avery added: “We are looking to get another three points on the board. We’ve been trying to make Wilks Park a tough place to come and it’s vital we keep winning games.”
Flackwell Heath’s game against Buckingham Athletic in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup was postponed on Tuesday evening.
The fixture will now go ahead next Tuesday (November 15), with the winning side facing Amersham Town in the second round.