VAUXHALL Motors were defeated 2-1 at the vanEupen Arena by Avro thanks to late goals in both halves from Benito Lowe and substitute Kyle Hawley.

Before the game all those inside the ground paid a touching tribute through a rendition of The Last Post followed by a minutes silence to honour fallen soldiers and recognise the sacrifices of all those who have served.

Avro began the game with a big chance falling to Lowe who latched onto a long ball but smashed his shot just over the bar.

Lowe kept causing issues with his physicality and pace behind and another chance sailed over the bar from a first time volley.

The host's keeper, Jake Atkinson, was forced into action for a first time after 20 played when Ben Holmes was dispossessed on the edge of his own box allowing a low strike but the Motors number one more than matched the effort.

The Motors made a penalty appeal near the end of the half as Nick Rushton's bouncing shot appeared to hit the hand of an Avro defender but contrary to all those around the ground's view the referee elected to ignore the calls and play on.

The opener then came moments later and it was the combination of Liam Ellis and Lowe again when a corner hit the head of the big Avro striker. He aimed low and managed to sneak it through the legs of Atkinson to gave his side a huge lead.

Just before the hour mark the big story of the day made his way onto the pitch as Michael Burkey made his hugely anticipated return to the pitch in Vauxhall Motors colours replacing Paddy Kay.

A dangerous free kick for The Motors in a dangerous area presented an opportunity for an equaliser but Josh Quarless’ effort was tame and down the throat of the keeper.

The push continued for their opening goal through returning substitute Will Dunne who saw his acrobatic effort inside the area go out for a corner.

Burkey almost turned hero when Ben Holmes’ corner sailed into his feet at the back post before goalkeeper Grant Shenton denied the debutant with a simple save at his near post.

Nice footwork from Ellis allowed him to capitalise on a sleepy Motors defence when he slipped in Hawley who was one on one in the area. He shifted his body before putting the ball past Atkinson despite him getting a touch on the shot.

The Motormen scored a lifeline in the dying embers when Burkey cleverly slipped in Quarless first time. He crossed it to find Kev Ellison at the back post and suddenly it was game on.

However, it was too little too late and the damage already done proved costly to Danny Holmes' side who slip to second place in the Northern Premier League West Division. 

Vauxhall Motors return to action on Tuesday vs Chasetown at the vanEupen Arena