Avro manager Alex Frost was delighted with his side’s resilience after they battled back from a goal behind to record a 2-1 win at Irlam on Saturday, despite playing the whole of the second half with 10 men, writes Liam Bambridge.

The home side took the lead after 22 minutes when captain Andrew Langford latched onto a Grant Shenton clearance and returned it with interest into the unguarded net.

However, the visitors drew level within two minutes when Ethan Sutcliffe got on the end of a Jake Cottrell free kick to head home the equaliser.

The young striker’s joy had turned to despair by the interval as he was red carded for a challenge on an Irlam defender, but his team mates rose to the challenge of playing with a numerical disadvantage, and Max Davidson capped a man-of-the-match performance by volleying home the winner from 25 yards with nine minutes of normal time remaining.

“I thought we were absolutely tremendous,” said Frost. “We knew that they would be really up for the game after we had beaten them in the FA Cup in August, and they certainly raised their performance levels.

“It was a difficult surface, as is often the case with grass pitches at this time of year, and we had to play more than 45 minutes a man down after Ethan’s sending off. So to come away with three points is a testament to our resilience and hard work.

“They ran themselves into the ground today for the cause, and so of course I am delighted that they got the reward which their efforts deserved.”

Davidson has now featured in each of his side’s three consecutive wins since returning from suspension, and Frost was quick to acknowledge the midfielder’s impact.

“Max is a fantastic player,” added Frost. “He is so calm and composed on the ball, his range of passing is superb and he never shies away from a tackle. He has been the find of the season.”

Avro now have a break from league action, with Manchester Premier and Macron Cup ties at the Vestacare Stadium against Glossop North End tomorrow night and Stockport Georgians on Saturday.

They then make the short trip to Ashton Athletic next Tuesday night as they bid to maintain their challenge for a top six finish.

Saturday’s win took them to within six points of Premier Division pace setters Wythenshawe Town and Vauxhall Motors, whilst earlier in the afternoon their reserve side recorded their fourth win in succession, a 3-0 victory against Boothstown, to keep them at the top of Manchester League Division as they bid to secure back to back promotions.