Avenue face back-to-back games against Guiseley after a quirk of fate pitched the clubs together in the second round of the FA Trophy.

Bradford and the Lions are in the last 32 of the competition and could have drawn any of the other clubs in the hat.

That is a coincidence in itself but it is remarkable considering the clubs also faced each other in the FA Cup.

Another side Avenue are well acquainted with is Conference Premier outfit Kidderminster Harriers, who they have played three times this term.

The Harriers put Avenue out of the FA Cup in a replay but the Bradford club got its revenge by knocking them out of the Trophy, which was the win that set up next Saturday’s tie against Guiseley.

Bradford boss John Deacey is hoping there will be no repeat of the revenge aspect as his side put the Lions out of the FA Cup, winning 2-1 at Nethermoor.

The Trophy clash is at the same venue, just like Avenue had home advantage in the two draws against the Harriers.

“It was freaky when we got Kidderminster twice but what must the odds have been on us getting Guiseley in both as well! Astronomical probably,” said Deacey.

Avenue beat Guiseley twice in the space of 11 days as they won the Conference North derby, also at Nethermoor, before the cup tie. They would love to do another double, this time in five days.

However Deacey knows the odds on that are climbing by the day.

He said: “Mark Bower has done a wonderful job at Guiseley since coming in and he has brought some very good signings in.

“We only just won those two games and their club was in the middle of a transition at the time. Steve (Kittrick) had gone and Mark was in at the deep end as the senior player who was holding the reins.

“He has settled into the managerial role since then and the fortunes of the club are on the up, which is good.

“I like it when Yorkshire clubs are doing well. Guiseley, Harrogate and Halifax have been our rivals over recent seasons so there have been a lot of derby games.

“That is great for the spectators, good for the profile of the area and shows what wealth of talent there is around these parts.

“I’m glad Mark is doing well because he is a nice man who is very knowledgeable about the game.

"We all know what its like with local clubs helping each other out and we have mutual respect. He’s a nice guy and I wish him well.”

Probably not on Monday and Saturday though.