It was a historic night for Avro as our European dream continues after an emphatic 6-2 victory against Gilla FC, writes Jamie Ross.

Goals from Jamie Rainford, Liam Ellis, Sam Davidson and a hattrick from Kyle Hawley ensured Avro cruised into the next round of the Fenix Trophy, a trip to Oslo or Krakow are on the cards with this fixture upcoming.

There was, however, a damper to the evening as Jamie Rainford left the field of play in the 20th minute with what appeared to be a serious injury. Having recently returned from injury and scoring the opening goal of the evening, this is a devastating blow for him, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Avro’s intentions were clear from the off and this was reflected in The Ro taking the lead after 7 minutes. Grant Shenton delivered a great ball out wide to Chiekh Thiam who put the ball into the box and Jamie Rainford was there to bundle it home.

After a lengthy delay in play due to an injury to Jamie Rainford, the re-start to the game didn’t have the same intensity or urgency for either side. Gilla took this opportunity to grow into the game and enjoyed a spell of possession and moved the ball around the pitch reflective of a side who started out as a 7-a-side team.

It was in injury time to the first half where Avro made their mark on the tie as, after a scramble in the box, Kyle Hawley was there to tap home to put The Ro two goals to the good heading into half time.

Mike Norton and David Birch made 3 substitutions at half time as Dillon Edmundson, Jack Morrow and Liam Ellis came on to replace Benito Lowe, Oliver Putnam and Kane Wallwork.

Liam Ellis made an instant impact as he was at the end of a cross from AJ Warburton to convert home which put Avro in a commanding position in the tie. This strike being his 6th goal of the season.

Less than four minutes later and Avro found themselves 4-0 up. Avro were awarded a corner and Sam Davidson was the man to deliver. The Gilla defence set up in the box, but this wasn’t required as the delivery from Sam Davidson sailed straight into the net.

At this point in the game, goals were arriving in 5 minute intervals. This continued to be the case as Gilla found a glimmer of hope in the 60th minute. A free kick was excellently executed by Tammilehto as his shot left Grant Shenton standing as it was placed into the top left hand corner.

It was an instant response from Avro to the Gilla goal as, no sooner as Gilla had scored, Kyle Hawley made it 5 for The Ro! A cross from AJ Warburton was flicked on by Liam Ellis and this landed into the path of Kyle Hawley who brought the ball down well and rifled it home past the Gilla goalkeeper. This being the 4th goal inside the first 20 minutes of the second half.

It was relentless from Avro as they continued on the front foot in search of more as Gilla appeared to tire after their efforts. James Dwyer and Chiekh Thiam tested the Gilla keeper with their efforts before Sam Davidsons’ strike crashed off the post. Kyle Hawley thought he had sealed his hat-trick on the night until the linesman adjudged an offside in the build-up to this finish.

Mosa scored the visitors second of the night after a brilliant solo run and finish to give the visitors some respect to the scoreline.

A previous offside ruling didn’t affect Hawley’s confidence and he sealed his hat-trick soon after. Gilla failed to clear the ball and Kyle Hawley capitalised. His shot was fumbled by the Gilla keeper and trickled into the net for Hawley’s 3rd and Avro’s 6th on the night.

A 6-2 victory on the night ensured the European dream continues. We will face either FC Oslo or Krakow Dragoons in the next round with the Norwegian side currently leading 6-0 after the first leg. Dates for this fixture will be announced in due course.

We’d like to thank all the travelling staff, players and fans of Gilla FC for their commitment to this fixture. It was a pleasure welcoming them to The Vestacare and we wish them all the best in the future.