Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey is hoping their FA Trophy tie at home to Kidderminster Harriers does not have the same impact on them as their FA Cup battles.

The Horsfall side produced two heroic performances against the Conference Premier high fliers before bowing out in an extra-time replay.

But Deacey admitted that the mammoth efforts took their toll on his men.

Ahead of tomorrow's third meeting between the sides, the Avenue boss said: “When we lost at Kidderminster it knocked us back.

“I didn’t realise how hard at the time but looking back on it now, the way we lost knocked us for six.”

Bradford were perceived by the neutrals as being the better side in the first meeting and matched their opponents in the replay before losing by the odd goal in extra time, bringing to an end a 13-game unbeaten run.

On auto-pilot, they won 3-1 at home in the next game but then suffered three straight defeats.

Deacey said: “It definitely took it out of the players and it cost us in the league but there were some people who stood tall and emerged as leaders.

“Nathan Hotte has been absolutely superb all season but he really came into his own when the chips were down.

“Nathan was outstanding in the games after that defeat and he was even playing with a tight hamstring.

“James Knowles put in some superb performances and got a hat-trick in the County Cup win against Harrogate.

“Steve Mallory also deserves a mention because he has been a revelation since coming in. What an addition to the playing staff he has been.”

Another player who has made a huge impact since joining Avenue is Paul Walker, who has racked up 70 consecutive appearances. The left-sided forward played in every game last season and has featured in all 22 so far this term.

Knowles and goalkeeper John Lamb are the only other two men to be ever-present this term.

Knowles was on 148 career appearances for Avenue when he was tempted away by FC Halifax Town on transfer deadline day last term but he returned to clock up his 150 for Bradford and is now on 171 appearances.

Other centurions in the squad are Martin Drury (159), Adam Clayton (143), Hotte (133), Lamb (127) and Richard Marshall (116).

Midfielder Jordan Deacey is just six games short of his own ton. Had he not suffered a double fracture of the arm in pre-season Deacey would have already reached the landmark despite his tender age.