Bradford Park Avenue stretched their lead at the top of the UniBond League Premier Division last week but manager John Deacey was still underplaying the achievement.

He told the Telegraph & Argus today that it is too soon for their No 1 placing to stand for anything. With expectation running wild at Horsfall Stadium, the Bradford boss is wary of it getting out of hand.

“There is only one automatic promotion place in this division and you can lose it on the final day of the season,” said Deacey.

The Avenue manager does not want that scenario, because, if it should happen, the likelihood is that it would deflate the squad so much that they would not fair well in the ensuing play-off semi-final.

“We have always stated that a place in the play-offs is our target, and that hasn’t changed just because we have spent a couple of weeks at the top of the league. It has taken a lot of hard work by everyone here to get in the position we are,” added Deacey.

“I’m sure a lot of others would like to swap places with us but we have to keep our feet on the ground. The hard work has to go on and we have to keep battling to try to stay in with a chance of promotion.

“There are some big games coming up - we play North Ferriby United away on Tuesday and the following midweek we have the re-arranged Guiseley game at our place.

"Next Saturday we have to go to Durham City, who are rock bottom but they must have a real team spirit there and will win a game at some point this season.”

Being out in front is not Deacey’s style - he would much rather be the hunter tracking down his prey, the quiet assassin. Now that Avenue’s cover is blown, it is they who are there to be shot at.

He said: “It has taken a huge effort to get where we are but our problems are just beginning because this is when the pressure intensifies. Once you are at the top, everyone wants to knock you off because you are a scalp to be taken.

“Fingers crossed we can get good results from our next six or eight games and ensure we are in the play-off frame. After that, and only then, can we think about having a crack at the title.”