Vauxhall Motors were defeated by Avro 2-1 at The VanEupen Arena, in a clash between two teams at the top end of the table.

A late Lewis Buckley strike was not enough to clinch a point for The Motormen as Mick McGraa’s side struggled against a resilient defence.

An effort by Avro’s Captain Jake Cottrell was the first of the game. However, it caused no threat to Motors keeper James McClenaghan who was back in the starting eleven.

The hosts were creating chances at the  other end but were struggling to find the cutting pass to carve open Alex Frost side’s backline.

Thus, it was the visitors that opened the scoring when forward Max Davidson danced past the Motors backline before firing his shot into McClenaghan’s net.

A break in play was brought when the injured Simon Thelwell was replaced by Ben Dufton-Kelly to sum up a frustrating half for Mick McGraa’s side.

Yet they did get close to goal when a fantastic move from the right brought the ball into the path of Michael Burkey, the shot going over the bar.

Motors started the second half strongly but struggled against a resilient backline as a succession of crosses were cleared.

Hosts full-back Ethan Gouldbourne was shown a second yellow card, on the stroke of the sixtieth minute, when he brought down Michael Afuye who was on the edge of the box.

The awarded free kick was put into the box well as Myis Bibire Bello rose highest to extend Avro’s lead.

Frustrations were growing for Motors as they aimed to get themselves back into the game.

Lewis Buckley did find the net as he struck the ball into the bottom corner, from outside the area, but McGraa’s men were unable to find the equaliser.

Vauxhall Motors are next in action on Friday night as they host Padiham.

Vauxhall Motors: James McClenaghan, Liam Turner, Ethan Gouldbourne, Simon Thelwell, Thomas Mitchell, Aaron Dawson, Bobbie McDonnell, Sean Moscrop, Lewis Buckley, Ben Holmes, Conor Harwood.

Subs: Jordan Deer, Francois Antoine, Michael Burkey, Marcus James, Ben Dufton-Kelly.

Avro: Grant Shenton, Tommy Lent, Adam Owen, Courtney Meppen-Walter, Geffrey Ebhote, Sam Rathbone, Michael Afuye, Jake Cottrell, Bradley Sullivan, Jack Morrow, Max Davidson.

Subs: Jack Worrall, Muis Bibire Bello, Jordan Southworth, Kane Badby, Aidan Tait.

Referee: Darren Whitfield.
Assistants: Tom Rooney and Liam Green.