Avro manager Alex Frost hailed the resilience of his players as they overcame testing conditions and a determined Litherland side to record a 1-0 victory thanks to captain Jake Cottrell’s late strike, writes Liam Bambridge.

Strong winds and driving rain made the first half a particularly trying experience for both sides, with little by way of goalmouth action to lift the spirits of those hardy spectators who had braved the awful weather.

However, the home side gradually started to turn the screw after the interval as the wind and rain abated, and when Cottrell found himself in space 25 yards out with eleven minutes remaining, the result was a tremendous left foot strike worthy of winning any game.

“I was delighted for the lads,” said Frost. “We have had to contend with a lot over the last week; injuries to key players, an undeserved defeat last Saturday, and now some really dreadful weather as well as a physically strong Litherland team.

“I told them at half time just to make sure that we did not give anything away at the back and wait for our chance to win the game. To be fair it was no more than a half chance when it did come along, so when Jake buried it in the bottom corner, I felt as pleased as I have all season.”

Cottrell also made a crucial contribution at the other end to preserve his side’s lead, with a goal line clearance to deny the visitors an equaliser from a corner.

“Jake is everything you could want from a captain,” said Frost. “His workrate and desire are second to none, and the other players feed off that.

“He has also weighed in with more than his fair share of goals this year, and this one was probably the most important yet.”

Next up for Frost’s men is a first ever visit in semi-professional football from newly promoted West Didsbury and Chorlton tomorrow afternoon.

Injured duo Liam Ellis and Michael Afuye joined Ethan Sutcliffe and Joe Rathbone on the sidelines on Wednesday, and Kane Wallwork was only fit enough to make a second half appearance from the bench, but Frost is hopeful that the situation will have eased in the next 24 hours.

“Michael says he should be fine for Saturday, and Kane came through with no ill effects, so they should both be available this weekend,” he added.

“Every side in the division will have injuries to key players - there is no point in stressing about it, we have a really good squad and I am confident that we will be competitive with whatever starting eleven that I am eventually able to name.”

Young striker Jake Forshaw made his Avro debut in the second half, having joined the club on a youth loan from the Latics, and Frost was pleased with his initial contribution.

Frost said: “Jake is a young lad just starting out in the game, but he does not lack confidence and I am sure that he can be a real asset to our team in the coming weeks.”