Tomorrow's trip to Ashton United has a great deal riding on it, according to Dr John Dean.

The Bradford Park Avenue chairman is acutely aware of the fans' frustration

during the recent dismal run of eight league games without a win and he is demanding passion and commitment for this President's Cup clash.

The competition is for UniBond teams that have made an early exit from the Challenge Cup - and Dr Dean sees it as an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways.

"This is a very important game for us," said Dr Dean. "Recent performances have been unacceptable. We don't want to get sucked into a relegation fight and this game must be taken seriously."

The home league fixture against Ashton in September was a disappointing 1-1 draw and Avenue made a wasted trip to the Lancashire club during the recent cold snap when the away fixture was called off an hour before kick-off due to a frozen pitch.

As bad as Avenue's run has been (they have lost their last three games and conceded eight goals), there is still light at the end of the tunnel because few teams have been able to put together convincing runs.

Leaders North Ferriby United had a

terrible holiday period, leaking eight goals in two games. First Whitby Town's Danny Brunskill destroyed them with a hat-trick and then on Monday, Blyth Spartans hammered them 4-1 - at Ferriby - with Robert Dale cracking in three.

Farsley Celtic also lost at home on Monday to Frickley Athletic.

A rest from league action might just be what the doctor ordered for Avenue's shell-shocked troops.

Manager Gary Brook has the difficult task of selecting a back line which has been leaking goals most games. Several players will be keeping their fingers crossed.

Team (from): Parry, Brompton, Newton, Dunne, Siddall, Agus, Greaves, Challender, Oleksewycz, Bernard, Walsh, Calcutt, Hadland, Flynn, Jones, O'Brien.