Bradford Park Avenue will still be smarting from Monday’s loss even though it was only in the West Riding County Cup.

John Deacey’s men head to Gainsborough Trinity for a Conference North clash on Saturday in search of points to cement their push towards the play-off places.

Avenue have not been beaten in the league since the opening week of the campaign, although their 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end last week.

Deacey’s side were knocked out of the FA Cup in a replay at Kidderminster Harriers and then exited the County Cup to Harrogate Town at Horsfall Stadium on Monday.

Between those cup blows Avenue cruised to a 3-1 home win over Gloucester City which lifted them one place to eighth in the table.

Gainsborough are in a precarious position after losing eight of their 12 fixtures to date. They find themselves fourth from bottom and are just two points better off than basement outfit Oxford City.

Defender Jamie Price and utility man Jason St Juste have been Avenue’s only injury absentees lately. Steve Mallory, who had ankle ligament damage picked up in training, has now made his comeback and will be in contention.

Midfielder Richard Marshall is available as his suspension – which is likely to be for three games after his straight red card against Gloucester, unless the club decide to appeal – will not kick in until a week on Saturday.

Avenue face another knockout tie against league rivals and neighbours Harrogate Town on that day. As the rival clubs geared up for their County Cup clash last Monday, the FA Trophy draw earlier in the day paired them together at Harrogate.

Club press officer Lewis Sale said: “It was disappointing to lose the County Cup tie to a goal in the penultimate minute. But it was a good chance for John (Deacey) to get some of the players a full 90 minutes.

“It’s interesting that we play them again in the FA Trophy. It is not an easy place to go to but we have been dealt it.

“At least it isn’t a long trip and we will know all about them, although they know all about us as well.”