Avenue will have to take a massive step up in performance if they are to get anything from their trip to Gateshead.

The 7-0 victory at the north-east athletics stadium last year now seems a long time ago as Bradford take on a rejuvenated side who have beaten the league's top two sides in recent weeks.

Gateshead may only be sitting 18th in the UniBond Premier at the moment but their recent form belies their lowly position.

"It will be a very, very tough game," said Avenue boss Trevor Storton, whose side are suffering the effects of playing only two matches so far in 2003.

"Gateshead have pulled off some good results in recent weeks and are turning into a very good side.

"If we can come away from their place with any kind of result then we will have done very well.

"It is not going to be easy and the lads will have to be on top form."

A 5-4 defeat to Ossett and a scrappy 1-0 victory over Harrogate have meant an inauspicious start to the new year for Storton's men and things will need to improve immensely if more points are to be gathered at the top of the A1.

A lack of matches, and a lack of training, has left Avenue looking a little ragged and lacking their usual sharpness in the last two games.

A poor run was put to an end towards the latter stages of December but the lack of games, due to both poor weather and floodlight problems, have robbed Avenue of their continuity.

The defence has been hit hardest by the lack of competitive games, with enormous gaps being left in recent matches.

"When you haven't played for a while one of the first things to go is positional sense," said Storton.

"We just need to play to get back our sharpness and our shape. It could probably take another fortnight until we are back where I want us to be."

Storton has also been left frustrated as attempts to bring some fresh blood into defence have narrowly failed. Although a pacey centre half was targeted, injury problems at the club in question have left Storton unable to get his man.

The search continues but for now Avenue will have to make do with the current squad - but he does want to see an improvement.

"We can do better than this at the back," added Storton.

"They are experienced players and should be able to cope a lot better.

"It is probably a question of time and attitude but the win against Harrogate should give us a much-needed confidence boost."