The first goal of Bantams striker Chib Chilaka’s loan spell with Avenue proved to be a double-edged sword and he will no doubt be looking for one that counts in the big West Yorkshire derby at Horsfall Stadium on Saturday.

Avenue’s visitors are neighbouring rivals and Evo-Stik League Premier Division leaders FC Halifax Town.

Chilaka’s midweek strike for Bradford’s second club came in a 3-1 victory at Eccleshill United in the West Riding County Cup but news then followed he was ineligible and the Eagles were reinstated into the competition at Avenue’s expense.

Horsfall boss John Deacey will not lose any sleep over being out of the County Cup – he has the play-offs in his focus – but was disappointed that Chilaka’s goal counted for nothing.

Deacey is now looking forward to the visit of the Shaymen and said: “The way it’s worked out, this will be my first game at home since coming back – and what a game it promises to be.”

The only fear is that the predicted wintry weather is too severe and causes blanket postponements, of which Avenue have had their fair share already since Deacey returned as team boss for a third stint. The club will use protective covers on the pitch to try to ensure the match goes ahead.

Deacey said: “I like ’em big and they don’t come much bigger than this game. There should be a big crowd, so the atmosphere should be fantastic – something like last season’s play-off final when we played Boston United at home, which was my last home game in charge.

“We just want it to go ahead really because we had the cup tie at Eccleshill called off twice and then our league game against Frickley Athletic.

“It was all because of the cup tie, one way or the other, and our home game against Matlock Town was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.”

That set of circumstances prolonged Chilaka’s wait to make his Avenue debut and that of fellow loan player James Cotterill. The defender has joined from Blue Square Bet North neighbours Guiseley but, like Chilaka, has only played twice so far.

Deacey is working on extending their loan deals through next month and is still intent on making some permanent signings.