Ainge 'immense' in Bradford Park Avenue cup final success

Gordon Rayner was manager the last time Avenue won the county's most prestigious non-League crown.

The current crop lifted the trophy at Valley Parade, home of neighbours Bradford City, on Wednesday night and Deacey reflected: "It was great character that the boys showed to go again after playing Saturday and Monday and win a final just two days later.

"We have only used 16 players in the last two months but they have given everything every time we have played.

"Simon Ainge picked up the man of the match award but he maybe wouldn't have started if Billy Priestley had been fit. Billy was knocked unconscious against Fylde on Monday and the medics have told us it would be a risk playing him in the remaining fixtures.

"There is no question that we would have played him against medical advice, so unfortunately for Billy his season ended a little early.

"We were a bit short of players and only had three on the bench – that was all we could name because it was all we had fit. So Simon had to play again and, to be fair, he was immense – as he has been all season."

The whole squad enjoyed their celebrations on the Valley Parade pitch after beating Garforth Town 1-0 – and no doubt afterwards.

It was a boost that a difficult season brought some silverware and Deacey felt it fitting that Chib Chilaka scored the winner.

The Avenue boss said: "Chib thoroughly deserved that and it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. He has run the line all season and done it well.

"Chib has scored some great goals and some very important ones. I was really pleased that it was his goal that won the cup and put a trophy in the cabinet.

"The fans enjoyed it as well; the goal and the occasion. We have got an influx of younger fans this season and they were very vocal and it was pleasing to see them enjoying the presentations. There was a cheer for all the players who held the cup aloft."