Avro manager Alex Frost singled out defender Adam Owen for special praise after a superb performance from the left-back proved to be one of the keys to his side’s 1-0 success against Bury AFC at the Neuven Stadium.

An evenly-contested game with few clear-cut goalscoring opportunities at either end looked destined to end goalless, until centre-half Sam Rathbone got on the end of Jake Cottrell’s deep free-kick to volley home a spectacular 76th-minute winner.

“I was delighted with our response as a team to last Saturday’s defeat at Prestwich,” admitted Frost. “However, I don’t think we should underestimate how big a part Adam has played in our success today.

“He can play full-back but he has spent most of the season further up the pitch.

“Kane Wallwork’s absence meant that I had to move him back, in a game when we were up against one of the best wide players in the division in Lewis Gilboy.

“I thought he played him absolutely superbly, a massive performance when we really needed someone to step in and do the business.”

The home side went into the game in confident mood, having caused an FA Cup upset against Clitheroe three days previously.

However, they were kept at arm’s length by a typically well-organised and determined display by the visitors, who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Jack Morrow’s low drive from the edge of the area was well saved by Bury keeper Jack Atkinson.

After the break, tempers boiled over and when the dust had settled, Max Davidson and Joe Denman were sent off to ensure both sides played the last half an hour with 10 men.

Rathbone’s second goal of the season made for a frantic last 20 minutes as Bury pushed hard for an equaliser, but it was Avro who came closest to scoring a second when Michael Afuye was twice denied by last-ditch defending at the end of swift counter attacks.

Next up for Frost’s side is a local derby tomorrow night in the Manchester Premier Cup against Chadderton at the Vestacare Stadium.

The two sides played each other three times during the 2018/19 season, Avro’s first in semi-professional football, but have not met since then.

“The lads are really looking forward to it,” said Frost. “We have one or two players who have turned out for both teams, they have mates who still play for Chadderton and so that makes it even more competitive. It should be a cracking game.”

Meanwhile, Frost has paid tribute to Kyle Jacobs, who left the club last week to rejoin former managers Lee O’Brien and James Hampson at Prestwich Heys.

He said: “Kyle has been a tremendous servant to the club over the last three seasons.

“We wish him the very best of luck in the future.”