By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Jamie Ross Avro vs FC Oslo
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Avro reach sixth gear in Fenix Trophy again
Avro will take a five-goal advantage into next week’s Fenix Trophy quarter final return leg with FC Oslo after beating the Norwegian side 6-1 on Wednesday night.
The Oldham side netted three times in each half to take a commanding lead into Monday’s return fixture, as they aim to make the semi finals in their first entry into the European tournament.
Kyle Hawley’s first-half hat-trick was wrapped up in a 20-minute spell after he opened the scoring at the six minute mark, giving his side a strong lead to take into the break. The same player also put three past Finnish side Gilla in their 6-2 first round win back in November.
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Thiam penalty rounds out Avro goals
AJ Warburton got his name on the scoresheet quickly after the restart, with Deane Smalley and Chiekh Thiam’s penalty completing the scoring for the home side. A late consolation from Isak Brodahl gives his side a glimmer of hope on home soil, but his side face an uphill battle to make the competition’s final four.
Northern Premier League West outfit Avro are only in the competition after replacing Bury following their withdrawal in October, who cited fixture congestion as a reason for leaving. Should they make the semi finals, a trip to Italy is on the cards with both semis and the final taking place there.
Serbia’s FK Miljakovac or Scotland’s Caledonian Braves will be the opposition for the ultimate winner of this tie.
FC United trail ahead of second leg
A Greater Manchester derby in the final is still on the cards – but FC United of Manchester have work to do in Saturday’s game against Fans United of Montenegro, with the Step 3 side trailing 1-0 after Tuesday’s first leg in Podgorica.
The home side won it thanks to a late goal from Vladan Pupovic – who netted three minutes from time.
The Rebels are the most successful side in the Fenix Trophy’s short history – winning it twice in three seasons. Mark Beesley’s side knocked out three-times finalists Prague Raptors in the round of 16.
Should they overturn the deficit, a semi final against the 2023 champions, Denmark’s Skjold, or Belgium’s Berchem Sport awaits.
The FC team show there appreciation for the travelling fans and their amazing support making the long journey! pic.twitter.com/7VXhHBIm5U
— FC United of Manchester 🟥⬜⬛ (@FCUnitedMcr) March 3, 2025
What is the Fenix Trophy?
The Fenix Trophy is a European cup competition for semi-professional or amateur clubs. There are no qualifying rounds, or league rankings taken into consideration – with clubs invited to take part because of their “exceptional social, historical and cultural distinctiveness.”
Brera FC of Milan developed and organize the competition. The FENIX acronym stands for Friendly, European, Non-professional, Innovative and Xenial (from the Ancient Greek word xenos – to show hospitality and mutual respect to strangers).
The tournament has grown in each year it’s been held, with eight teams from seven countries taking part in the inaugural 2021-22 edition. This year’s competition features 16 teams, with 14 countries now represented.
All games are shown free of charge on the competition’s YouTube page.
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