Deacey praises 'exceptional' Hall as he scores hat-trick in Avenue romp

A seven-goal victory, including a hat-trick for striker Chris Hall, saw them consolidate their place at the summit. With Retford United being held to a draw and Boston United frustrated by a postponement it meant Avenue boosted their goal difference and extended their lead to five points, while still retaining a game in hand over the second and third-placed clubs.

Bradford boss John Deacey said: “It was an expected win, top against bottom, but you still have to go there and do it, which isn’t easy. They are playing without fear, there is no pressure on them at all, while we are there to be shot at.

“Another complication for us was that I had just 12 fit players and Mark Hume went over on his ankle in the first couple of minutes. The artificial surface up at Durham is unforgiving when you take a hard fall on it.

“We were a bit stuck when that happened but fortunately we got through without any other problems.

“Chris (Hall) is in exceptional form, Stephen Downes got a couple and it was good for Chris Ovington to come in for his first start and open his account.”

Winger Brice Tiani started the ball rolling in the 16th minute when he cut into the area and netted a shot via a slight deflection.

Downes was next to register. He delivered a corner that was cleared, the ball found its way back to him and he moved to the edge of the area before netting a shot form an acute angle.

Hall weighed in with a brace before the interval, firing both in from close range following good moves.

Ovington marked his full debut with a goal when he finished off another trademark flowing attack.

Hall’s third was definitely his best as he broke into the area before netting with aplomb.

The final strike came from the penalty spot after a Jamie Price cross into the area was handled by a defender in the last minute.

The home players questioned the decision but the referee had no hesitation and Downes kept his composure.