Even the most pessimistic Avenue followers are beginning to believe that what seemed impossible is suddenly almost tangible.

Supporters and onlookers alike have been loathe to suggest that Avenue’s slim hopes of a play-off finish to their first season back in the Conference North were anything other than fantasy.

Back to back wins over neighbouring rivals above them in the table has forced a rethink and put Bradford firmly back in the hunt.

Whatever the outcome this is already the Horsfall side’s best season at Conference level and it is being overseen by their most successful manager.

The club’s historian and statistician Tim Clapham has been keeping tabs on John Deacey’s record.

Clapham said: “Taking league games only, John has taken charge of 134 and won 81, drawing 20 and losing just 33.

“That gives him a points average of 1.96, which is pretty good by any standard.

“Prior to the arrival of JD, Trevor Storton was Avenue’s most successful manager.

“In his long spell of seven years and four months in the job, the club played 323 league games, winning 150, drawing 67 and losing 106 in that time.

“That gave Trevor a points per game ratio of 1.6, so John is clearly top dog.

“Obviously to make a true comparison you would have to make allowances for the length of Trevor’s time in charge but John’s statistics certainly stand up.”

A win percentage of over 60 is definitely an excellent return at any level. Clapham has also been busy checking through other stats.

He said: “The clean sheet against Harrogate was the eighth John Lamb has kept in the 15 games since he came back to the club following the injury to Tim Deasey. In fact, Avenue have conceded only three in the last ten outings.

“The 4-0 win at Boston United (on March 23, the game before last Monday’s visit to FC Halifax Town) was our third at that venue on the trot and the hat-trick for Alex Davidson was the first by an Avenue player this season.

“He is on 11 now behind Danny Holland (12) and Richard Marshall (16), who both scored in the games since the away win at Boston.”

Strangely most of Avenue’s goals this term have come away from home.

Clapham said: “In 18 away games we have scored 37 but just 22 from 18 at Horsfall.

“The supporters who only come to home games must be wondering what all the fuss is about.”