Worcester City 0, Bradford Park Avenue 1

BRADFORD Park Avenue gave themselves a huge boost of confidence as they snatched victory at mid-table Worcester.

A second consecutive Sunday fixture brought a much better result as Chib Chilaka's headed goal gave Avenue maximum points by the most slender of margins.

A week earlier John Deacey's men had slumped to a 4-3 defeat at relegation rivals Leamington but they bounced back well.

It was a backs against the walls-type of display and, despite the three points, Avenue are still in the Vanarama Conference North relegation zone – but they have now given themselves belief that they can escape.

Avenue had drafted in three new signings – two on loan and one permanent – and Dan Gray was in the starting line-up alongside recent recruits Johnny Lynch and Simon Ainge, who was captaining the side.

The hosts began well but Avenue forced a free-kick in a dangerous place early on, only to see the opportunity wasted when it went over the bar.

Avenue keeper John Danby had an excellent game but suffered an early scare when he fumbled a cross but dropped on the loose ball before Danny Jackman could react.

Worcester striker Sean Geddes – who finished in second place above the likes of Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale and Andy Carroll in a poll for the best goal of 2014 run on Sky Sports on New Year's Eve – had a sniff of a chance but fired wide from distance.

Jackman went closest for the home side in the first half when he shot against the post but Connor Gater lashed the rebound over.

Danby made two more good saves but City stopper Nathan Vaughan was also tested, although he was also ready and able when called upon.

The home side had certainly enjoyed the better of the first half and also pressed after the interval, with Jackman firing over the target and Danby saving from Kyle Haynes.

If that was not enough for Danby to earn his money, then the save he made to deny Geddes was worthy of a bonus.

The striker was unmarked at the far post and picked out by a good cross but Danby defied logic to turn Geddes' header away for a corner.

As the game wore on, Avenue continued to hold firm and Worcester boss Carl Heeley began to make changes around the hour mark, looking for the inspiration or spark of brilliance that would unlock the visitors' defence.

The substitutions failed to make an impact and Chilaka nodded in the match-winner in the 79th minute.

Worcester tried to respond and a late Wayne Thomas effort was cleared off the line but Avenue dug in to bank what could be a crucial three points come the end of the campaign.

They are still three points behind Leamington, the club immediately ahead of them and just above the trapdoor, but Deacey's side have a game in hand.

The win sees them just four points adrift of neighbours Harrogate Town – and they have played three games more than Avenue.