After two straight victories since taking over first-team affairs at Avenue, John Deacey will be looking to extend his 100 per cent record in his first match in charge at Horsfall Stadium tomorrow.

Bad weather denied Deacey a home start to his tenure but a 4-1 victory at Witton Albion and a 3-1 win at Guiseley on Boxing Day more than made up for that.

Avenue face Guiseley again tomorrow afternoon as the UniBond League Premier Division’s closest neighbours battle out the derby re-match.

Deacey will have selection problems, despite enjoying victories in his opening two games.

Luke Holden, who scored twice at Witton, has since left the club to join up with former Avenue manager Dave Cameron at Welsh Premier outfit Rhyl.

“I didn’t find out that Holden was thinking of going until the team bus arrived an hour and a half before the first Guiseley game,” said Deacey.

“Rhyl had put seven days’ notice of approach in for him and he had decided he wanted away.

"Then, less than half an hour into the game, we lost Rory Patterson just after he had put us 1-0 up. He took a heavy knock on his calf and is still struggling.

“Those are the kinds of things that happen and they throw your preparation into chaos but it’s what football is all about. You just get on with it and we did well after making some changes.

“I know Guiseley had spells when they had us on the back foot but they didn’t really have a lot of chances. I thought we defended very well, although the 3-1 final scoreline did flatter us a bit.”

Deacey says he will have a similar squad for the quick return clash but admits the last result will have no bearing on this game.

Rather than having a psychological edge, Avenue will have to beware of a backlash.

Avenue may have lost wide man Holden but they have clinched the signing of Mark Whitehouse from Guiseley, although it has not been made public whether Whitehouse will be able to face his former side.

The transfer is completed but there may have been a gentleman’s agreement that he will sit out the derby so soon after switching clubs.

Despite taking the maximum six points available, Avenue are still a lowly tenth in the table – but the points were vital because a divide is beginning to appear.

Avenue now have a six-point advantage over 11th-placed FC United of Manchester but are only three points adrift of the play-off zone.

A home victory tomorrow and other results going Avenue’s way could see them leap into the top five, just one point behind Guiseley.