PREVIEW: Avro (A)

By Kurt Barnes

When: Saturday 8th August

Where: Vestacare stadium, White Bank Road, Oldham OL8 3JH, Greater Manchester

What 3 Words: ///trace.lists.older

Quorn are raring to go in what is set to be there first ever season in the Northern Premier League against an Avro side which will see the Reds first travel to the northwest.

Quorn’s form:

A mixed preseason for the Reds which ended last Saturday with a solid 0-0 draw against Banbury United. Matlock Town  was the pick of the results away from home, with an impressive 3-1 win against the Gladiators. The Reds can be pleased with their 2-2 draw against step two Harborough Town at home. There were tough results against Spalding, losing 3-0 and losing 4-1 to Bedworth but it was all part of a learning curve for Ryan Beswick’s men as they prepare for what is set to be another exciting season.

The Opposition:

Avro’s recent pre-season preparation saw them play against a Blackburn Rovers XI comprised mainly of youngsters. The Ro recorded a fantastic 3-1 win last Saturday. Before that they had draws against Lower Breck at home 2-2 and Wythenshawe FC 3-3 away. They also played against a National League side Halifax Town. The Ro came out on top winning a 4-3 in a thriller. Other pre-season results included a disappointing 2-1 loss to Llandudno FC and a decent 3-2 win against Droylsden FC.

Head-to-Head:

The Reds have never faced The Ro in a competitive game before.

One-to-Watch:

David Fitzpatrick is one who brings lots of experience to the game. The 36-year-old full back has played in the football league with Port Vale and Macclesfield, playing 210 games for the latter before joining the Valiants shortly before Macclesfield entered administration 6 years ago. Fitzpatrick has also gathered lots of non-league experience having played for the likes of Southport, Altrincham, Chester and Radcliffe before making the switch to The Ro in 2024.

Ticket prices:

Adults: £10 Concessions: £8 u16s: £3 u8s: free