Avro manager Alex Frost is expecting a reaction from his players after last weekend’s disappointing derby defeat when they travel to the Neuven Stadium in Radcliffe tomorrow to take on Bury AFC, writes Liam Bambridge.

A late goal from home substitute Joe Rothwell ended Avro’s 100 per cent record on the road in the league, with Frost describing his team’s performance as ‘lacking in desire and effort for the first time since I took over in January’.

However, he is confident that the visiting supporters who make the short trip east along the M60 will be rewarded with a much better display.

"All teams have off days, but the standards which we have set for ourselves since the start of the season just do not tally with the performance which we turned in against Prestwich," admitted Frost.

"I was so disappointed for our supporters, it was a big game for them against local rivals, and ultimately I feel like we lost it because we did not want the three points as much as the opposition did.

"But we have trained well this week, and we cannot wait to get back out there tomorrow."

Last Saturday’s starting 11 included one new face, with Trafford midfielder Alfie Belcher making his debut having signed dual registration forms with the club.

Shaquille Lewys also featured as a second half substitute after joining from Maine Road, and Frost felt that both showed some promise.

"Alfie has not played much football recently so will need to get up to speed quickly, but I think we saw flashes of what he can bring to our team. Shaq is stepping up from Division One South where he has been very successful, it’s a big jump to make but again I felt he showed us that he can be a big asset when he becomes more used to our system and patterns of play."

Bury are currently riding the crest of an FA Cup wave after a 2-0 victory over Clitheroe on Wednesday took them to within one victory of the first round proper.

However, Frost does not think that this will prove too much of a distraction in tomorrow’s encounter.

"There are bound to be a few tired legs in their squad after such a big game on a heavy pitch. But at the start of the season their priority will have been getting out of this league and I am sure their management will be reminding them of that in the run up to this one.

"We are expecting a very tough game but ultimately although we have prepared carefully for the threats that they will pose, our focus is always on our performance. If we can get it right on the day, I am confident that we have a good chance of a decent result against them."

After the trip to the Neuven Stadium, attention turns to the Manchester Premier Cup, a competition in which Avro came agonisingly close to reaching the final in February before eventually bowing out to Ashton United.

This season’s quest for glory begins with a local derby against Chadderton next Wednesday night at the Vestacare Stadium.