It would be a travesty of justice if Avenue’s excellent season was to end with three consecutive defeats.

Bradford’s final game of the campaign is at Horsfall Stadium today and although Avenue cannot finish outside the top eight they want to end on a high note.

Bradford boss John Deacey said: “It is a pity that we have been hit by so many injuries at the last minute but it was always likely with a squad of just 16 players.

“We might just be able to muster 11 fit players for the final game.

“We only had 12 for the last two games. On Monday I had Alex Davidson, Aiden Savory, Danny Holland and Mark Hume on the bench and none of them could have given us much if we had needed to call on them.

“Adam Baker was the only substitute I could have used and that was the same for the game before at Bishop’s Stortford. In that game Danny had to come on for Jordan (Deacey) early on.

“Martin Drury has just had an operation because he snapped his cruciate ligament in the win at Halifax Town so he has missed the last eight games.

“Tom Corner has also missed the end of the season and Matty James, Jordan, Alex, Danny and Aiden have all put themselves on the line for the club when not fully fit. It has been a difficult couple of weeks.”

The manager knows injuries, suspensions and even unavailability are occupational hazards for a manager at any semi-professional club.

Rather than curse the club’s fortunes, or lack of in some areas, Deacey is seeking solutions and taking positives.

“It just shows that you need strength in depth,” said Deacey.

“It all catches up with you at the end of a long, hard season. But there are no complaints from me because I think it’s been a great season and the effort from everyone involved has been outstanding.

“We can only have so many people in because of the budget but the board have been superb and helped us and supported us. We have been competing with clubs who are able to spend a lot more than we are and I’m proud of every department of our club.”