Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Ryley Smith scored twice, including the 76th-minute winner, as Avro beat FC Halifax Town 4-3 in a seven-goal pre-season friendly at the Vestacare Stadium.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryAvro 4-3 FC Halifax Town: Ryley Smith double wins seven-goal pre-season friendly
Ryley Smith scored twice, including the 76th-minute winner, as Avro edged FC Halifax Town 4-3 in a seven-goal pre-season friendly at the Vestacare Stadium in Oldham on Saturday.
The hosts raced into a 16th-minute lead when a defensive error presented an unregistered Avro player with a tap-in past Sam Johnson, as reported by the Shaymen's official match report. Halifax responded through Josh Hmami in the 28th minute — his corner was flicked on by Amari Morgan-Smith and deflected into the net off an Avro defender.
Smith restored Avro's lead in the 33rd minute with a composed finish from just inside the box after a neat passing move down the left. But Halifax levelled again three minutes later: Arian Allen's cross found the head of Hmami, whose flicked header looped over the home goalkeeper to make it 2-2 at half-time.
Avro regained the lead in the 55th minute through another unregistered goalscorer, tucking a low finish past Johnson. Halifax substitute Trialist F pulled them level for a third time in the 71st minute, cutting in from the left flank, rounding a defender and slotting into the bottom-left corner.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute. Smith latched onto a low ball into the box and tucked it away on the stretch to make it 4-3. Halifax pushed for a fourth equaliser but could not find a way through in the closing stages.
The turning point
Smith's 76th-minute winner, scored just five minutes after Trialist F had drawn Halifax level for the third time. The Avro forward's movement and composure in the box proved the difference in a game that swung with every goal.
Key performers
Ryley Smith (Avro) — Two goals (33', 76'), including the winner. The 24-year-old, who signed a contract extension with Avro on 16 July, was the decisive figure. Player of the match.
Josh Hmami (FC Halifax Town) — Involved in both first-half goals: his corner led to the equaliser via a deflection, and he scored the second with a flicked header from Allen's cross.
Trialist F (FC Halifax Town) — Scored a well-taken 71st-minute equaliser, cutting inside from the left and finishing into the bottom corner.
Arian Allen (FC Halifax Town) — A constant threat on the left flank, providing the cross for Hmami's goal and causing problems throughout. The winger recently joined Halifax on loan.
Player of the match: Ryley Smith (Avro)
By the numbers — interpreted
Seven goals, no cards, and a 2-2 half-time scoreline that reflected the open, end-to-end nature of the contest. Avro scored four times from four different attacking patterns: a defensive error, a passing move, a low finish, and a poacher's strike on the stretch. Halifax responded three times but never led — their three goals came from a set-piece, a flicked header, and a solo effort from Trialist F. The match featured two unregistered Avro goalscorers and a Halifax trialist, typical of early pre-season where sides rotate personnel.
What it means
This was Avro's third pre-season fixture of the summer as they prepare for the NPL Premier Division (Step 4) campaign. For FC Halifax Town, it was their fifth pre-season outing ahead of the 2026/27 National League season. The Shaymen's next friendly is away at Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday 21 July, before they continue their build-up towards competitive action.
Verdict
A thoroughly entertaining pre-season friendly with momentum swinging after every goal. Smith's double was the difference, but FC Halifax Town will take encouragement from their resilience in fighting back three times from behind. Both managers will have plenty to address defensively before the competitive season begins.
Match Events
Key match events between Avro and FC Halifax Town — 7 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 19 Jul 2026