North Ferriby 4, Park Avenue 2

Bradford Park Avenue failed in their search for a perfect ten as they slipped to defeat in the UniBond Premier Division, having enjoyed nine wins on the bounce.

Avenue stay at the top of the table with a three-point cushion but one of their games in hand on the chasing pack has now evaporated.

It was a bitter blow as they squandered a two-goal lead at fourth-placed North Ferriby United.

The visitors could not have dreamt of a better start as Matty James put them in front in just the third minute.

They were probably dreaming of victory and a pleasant journey home when Chris Hall doubled their lead in the 13th minute.

Any notions of an easy ride were quashed as Ferriby hit back through Alex Davidson almost straight away.

Leading scorer Gary Bradshaw made it all-square before the 20-minute mark.

After that whirlwind opening quarter of the game, there was almost an hour gone before the fifth goal of the night was scored.

There was a cruel twist for Avenue on an evening when former players were to the fore.

While Avenue’s ex-striker Andy Campbell was netting against promotion-chasing neighbours Guiseley, it was two ex-Lions who tore deep into the heart of Avenue’s own title bid.

Campbell’s goal, a penalty, was nothing more than scant reward for Whitby Town as they were beaten 3-1 at Nethermoor.

But the Guiseley old boys brigade put the skids under Avenue.

Winger Mark Whitehouse put Ferriby in front for the first time on the night in the 59th minute and midfielder Chris Bolder ensured maximum points for the east coast club when he completed the scoring in the 76th minute.

Avenue have the ideal chance to get back on track this Saturday when they visit league whipping boys Durham City.