Bradford Park Avenue 2, Stocksbridge Park Steels 0

Bradford Park Avenue kept their five-point cushion at the top of the UniBond League Premier Division intact but it was far from a regulation victory.

Already under-strength due to injuries, Avenue suffered another blow in the goalless first half when the stretcher had to be called for Stephen Downes. The right back was sent to hospital for scans on his right knee.

Stocksbridge could have been four goals to the good by that point. It was a half of poor quality but the visitors created the only chances.

They should have led after just 12 minutes but their leading scorer failed from the spot. The early penalty was awarded after Avenue skipper Simon Baldry jumped to block with his arms raised.

The incident came when the visitors forced two corners in succession and Adam Clayton got his head to the second. Jamie Vardy’s spot-kick was well struck but Steve Dickinson made a fine save.

Avenue boss John Deacey said: “It was a very difficult game. They were the better side in the first half and the penalty save was crucial. But I thought Dickinson was fantastic throughout.

“We have had to take that first-half battering and lift our game, which I felt we did.

“We lost Downsey and I already had Martin Drury, Mark Hume and James Knowles out, as well as a few others.

“So all in all, given the circumstances, I think this is a very good victory for us.”

Downes was treated on the pitch for two minutes before being whisked away following the 39th-minute incident.

There was no hint that it came from an unfair challenge but it made it a rather flat ending to the first half.

Avenue were far better after the break and unlocked the visitors’ defence just five minutes into the second half.

The swift thinking and quick feet of Baldry led to the breakthrough as he weaved his way to the line and sent a low ball into the six-yard box.

Matty James turned it towards the goal but it was a final touch from Brice Tiani that ensured it crossed the line.

Steels centre back Brett Lovell then pulled James’ shirt just outside the area after an hour. The free-kick was given and Baldry lashed it into the top corner.

It was one of few moments of true quality from a game played on a boggy, uneven pitch.