Bradford Park Avenue boss Deacey pays tribute to players and fans after safety confirmed

Bradford’s form since February has been such that their survival has looked likely for some time but Deacey refused to take anything for granted until his side were mathematically safe.

That was confirmed by Brackley Town’s failure to win at Worcester City on Tuesday night and now Avenue can look forward to enjoying the rest of their season and try to end with some silverware.

Deacey said: “It has been a tremendous effort by everyone at the football club.

“So many games in such a short space of time, the players did well and the fans have been outstanding. There have been some memorable games and some excellent performances, away wins at Oxford and Guiseley, beating Stockport County and getting a point at Barrow and not forgetting the two games against Tadcaster Albion.

“In that semi-final, the second game we had 11 players! That was all we had available, we didn’t name any substitutes because we didn’t have any bodies but it was a great result to win 4-0 against a good side.”

The tie was played twice because Avenue had asked the West Riding County FA if signing Alex Pursehouse was eligible and were wrongly told he was. When the error came to light, the County FA ordered a replay so Avenue had to leave new players on the sidelines and that left Deacey with 11 men standing.

The final is at neighbours Bradford City’s ground on Wednesday after tomorrow's derby clash with Guiseley and a rearranged home game with title-chasing AFC Fylde on Monday.

Deacey insists there will be no let-up and said: “To be honest it’s been enjoyable since Christmas, the crowds have improved and the away support has been great. But we’ve got to keep it going now.

“There is no point easing off just because we’re safe. From now it’s all about getting as many points as we can and finishing as high as we can.

"Every game has got something riding on it so we’ll keep focused because we can do our relaxing once the season ends.”