A second half penalty converted by David Fitzpatrick was enough for Avro to claim a point in a 1-1 draw against Hanley Town on Saturday, writes Jamie Ross.

Both sides headed into the fixture requiring points after a tough run of results over the past few weeks - with Avro were without a win in their last six league games and Hanley without a win in their last 10 league fixtures.

This left The Ro and Hanley sitting 18th and 22nd respectively.

Grant Shenton made his return for Avro after an absence through suspension while Oliver Putnam starting on his home debut after making his full debut last time out away to Congleton Town.

Recent signings Remi Thompson and Jamie Rainford were both named amongst the substitutes after signing midweek from Altrincham and Wythenshawe Town.

It was a quiet first 30 minutes with not much to write about for either side. However, the game started to liven up after this point with both sides having chances at goal. Grant Shenton was forced to make a smart save from a Louis Keenan header.

The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute as a flick on from Blake found Joel Stair who headed home to put Hanley ahead.

As with the start of the first half, it was a quiet first 20 into the second half but it was Hanley who were forced to hold onto a narrow lead as Avro applied pressure to the visitors.

It was in the 73rd minute of the game when Avro got themselves back into the game. The referee adjudged a handball in the Hanley box and Avro had a great chance to level with a penalty.

David Fitzpatrick stepped up to take it and converted it to bring Avro back into the game, 1-1 with 15 minutes left so all to play for.

Hanley thought they had taken the lead in the 85th minute but it was the crossbar that denied a strike from Sam Turner.

In the end, both sides were made to settle for a point as it was 1-1 at the final whistle.

Avro will look to build on this point when they travel to The VanEupen Arena to face top of the league Vauxhall Motors on Saturday.