Avro manager Alex Frost admits that he experienced the full gamut of emotions over the Easter weekend as the race for promotion from the North West Counties Premier Division nears its climax, writes Liam Bambridge.

The club’s first ever visit to FC Isle of Man ended in crushing disappointment last Saturday evening, when Ravens midfielder Charlie Higgins scored the only goal of the game deep into injury time to secure all three points for the home side.

However, another goal in added time, this one for Wythenshawe Town in their Easter Monday clash with Bury AFC, meant that Avro’s nearest challengers for second place had to be content with a point apiece.

“We were all absolutely gutted in the dressing room on Saturday night,” said Frost. “We had a few missing and we were not at our best, but I still felt that we deserved at least a point.

“We knew going into the game that our destiny was still in our hands, and by the end of it we had to accept that it no longer was.

“Now we are at least in control again of the situation, but it’s still going to take a massive effort to win these last two games.”

First up for Frost’s men is a mouth-watering encounter against champions Vauxhall Motors this Saturday afternoon, before the regular season concludes seven days later with the visit of Barnoldswick Town.

Unless Bury AFC can win their last four fixtures as well as vastly improving their goal difference, wins in both those games should secure the runners-up spot for a side in only its third full season of semi professional football.

“These are arguably the biggest two games in the club’s history,” said Frost. “Our fanbase has grown steadily over the last two years, but there is always room for more supporters!

“It’s been a long and tiring campaign, and a couple of big crowds would undoubtedly be a massive lift to the players when they need it most.”

If Avro were to finish in second place, they would earn themselves a trip to a side from the league above for a one game play-off to determine whether they would be promoted.

That tie would take place on Saturday April 29.