A goal in the final stages of the Avro versus Bury FC FA Cup clash proved to be the difference maker in an otherwise close game, writes Rob Curell.

The Emirates FA Cup preliminary round fixture saw Bury walk off the pitch as 2-1 victors in front of 917 fans yesterday, (Saturday, August 17).

The two clubs are located just over ten miles from each other and have previously earned the reputation of putting on a strong local derby.

Bury Manager Dave McNabb named an unchanged starting 11 from Tuesday night where his side defeated Abbey Hey 7-1 in the North West Counties Premier Division.

The Avro manager pairing of David Birch and Mike Norton made several changes to their squad from their league match at Wythenshawe Town on Tuesday night.

AJ Warburton was brought up front with Sam Davidson starting in the midfield.

James Dwyer and Kane Wallwork started off the bench.

The first-half was an extremely tight affair with both clubs looking to exert themselves but neither managing to — until the dying minutes before the interval.

A hard physical game ensued with both teams having their fair share of opportunities.

Bury netted first thanks to an Alex Cherera goal in the 43rd minute who was fed a lovely ball by his teammate Bebeto Gomes.

The visitors went into the break, up by a goal.

The second-half saw Avro come out firing in their quest to come back and win the game.

In the 58th minute, The RO equalised thanks to a spectacular free kick from Sam Davidson that sailed past the keeper from way out into the top corner.

With the game drawn, Avro grew in confidence and the side started to create more chances.

The 69th minute saw another Avro shot go wide after a beautiful airborne display by Ethan Kershaw.

Five minutes later, Avro’s Kyle Hawley hit the woodwork before teammate Mike Phenix narrowly missed the rebound strike.

Despite these close attempts by Avro, it would be Bury who retook the lead thanks to a Lewis Alessandra volley in the 87th minute.

“It was disappointing,” said Avro manager David Birch after the game.

“Unfortunately if you don’t convert your chances and they do, you lose the game.”

“It was a tough game,” added Bury FC analyst Chris Watts.

“It took a while for us to start to play but once we did, I thought we were good.”