Bradford Park Avenue 1 Gloucester City 1

THE gap between Bradford Park Avenue and the Vanarama Conference North drop zone remains eight points after Gloucester City earned a point at Horsfall Stadium that lifted them out of the relegation places.

Avenue dominated the first half but the Tigers came into the game minutes before the break and snatched a lead in stoppage time.

The visitors had a strong penalty appeal waved away in the 41st minute but there was no disputing Matt Williams’ strike as he lashed the ball in on the run from 20 yards.

The second half was a lot more even and Bradford had to battle to get their equaliser which came soon after the hour mark. Once again it was Chib Chilaka who came to Avenue’s rescue.

Chilaka chased a through ball which bounced over the Tigers’ defence and he controlled it before firing a shot on the turn past visiting keeper Paul White. The home side were relieved to see an offside flag when Harry White had the ball in John Danby’s net in the 76th minute.

However, the Tigers let out a bigger sigh of relief when White made a good save to deny Chilaka a winner in the last of the three added minutes.

Gloucester’s position is still perilous as they are above the trapdoor on goal difference only.

FARSLEY rekindled their hopes of a play-off finish in the Evo-Stik First Division North at the weekend and would like to continue the good work on Tuesday night when they visit a Mossley side that is immediately above them in the table.

Farsley are five points outside the play-off places but only two behind their hosts who have played a game more.

BRIGHOUSE TOWN are looking to bounce back from a home defeat on Saturday. However, it will be another tough test for as they travel to ninth-placed Droylsden.

THACKLEY have home advantage in the Toolstation Northern Counties East Premier Division when they host Barton Town Old Boys. The Dennyboys need to get Saturday’s 6-0 thrashing by neighbours Albion Sports out of their system.