Marine 0 Park Avenue 4

 A superb away win against promotion rivals Marine gave former Bantams defender Lee Sinnott his first victory as Avenue boss at the second attempt.

The division is so tight that Avenue would have gone third with a win last week but ended up tenth after a home defeat to leaders Eastwood Town. Saturday’s convincing maximum at Marine lifted them three places to seventh, just two points outside the play-off zone.

Having made his comeback from the bench in the previous game, former skipper Steve Connors was restored to the starting line-up. He underlined the vision behind that decision by opening the scoring after just seven minutes.

Just before the half-hour, recent signing Andy Campbell opened his account for his new employers. The former Middles-brough and Cardiff City striker was among the substitutes last week but he got a start because of Rory Patterson’s knee injury.

The home side were rocking at 2-0 down as the interval arrived and soon after the restart any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out when Avenue scored two goals in a two-minute spell.

Ten minutes into the second half, Chris Hall netted Bradford’s third before Mark Bett completed the scoring.

Sinnott was understandably pleased by the performance of his players.

“Two goals in either half just about settled it,” said Sinnott. “We started both halves well and it was in those crucial times of the game that we were on top.

“In my opinion the result wasn’t slanted and I have always tried to call it as I see it because you have to be honest.

We were in control for most of the game but we had bits of defending to do so we did have to work for the clean sheet. It is always nice when you get a decent scoreline to see different names. With that in mind I don’t want to single Andy out but it is always a confidence thing for a forward to get his first goal for a club.

“The other goalscorers can also be applauded but the whole squad has to take the credit for the win.

“Sometimes when you are on top you can give yourselves problems but the players maintained their focus throughout the game.”

The weather may intervene to stall tomorrow night’s West Riding County Cup tie against Brighouse, however Sinnott is preparing for the game as best he can.

“There were no injury problems reported to me after Saturday’s game but you have to wait for things to swell up or stiffen after rest,” said the boss.

“We will look at all the players eligible but Rory Patterson will obviously be out. He will be another ten days or two weeks but that’s quite normal for a medial ligament injury.”