Avenue boss John Deacey accepts the season has been condensed into a single month as his side and fellow UniBond League title-chasers Guiseley kick off a hectic period tomorrow.

The neighbours are currently neck-and-neck in the race for the Premier Division championship and the one automatic promotion place that goes with it.

They must also be joint-favourites because other clubs in the frame have all played more games.

Avenue take on Kendal Town at Horsfall Stadium and Guiseley make the short journey to Ossett Town, with both matches kicking off at 3pm.

The pair then face each other twice in three days, at Nethermoor on Easter Monday and then at Horsfall on Wednesday.

The second game is rearranged, for a third time, after last Monday’s evening clash was washed out. That was a second scheduling for a fixture originally set for Boxing Day.

“It is certainly a big week for us but maybe even bigger for Guiseley,” said Deacey.

“They have four games on the trot against teams at the top – twice against us and twice against Boston United, who are third at the moment.

“The season is condensed into this month and thankfully our squad is ready for it.

“We will have Amjad Iqbal and Rob O’Brien available again after both missed the Ashton United game last Saturday and we may even have James Knowles back.

“The injury troubles are fading away and (recent signing) Damien Reeves is also added to the squad. The only player I have out now is Chris Stabb but we have known for some time that he won’t play another game this season.

“We are up to a 19-man squad of top-quality players now and it has come just when we need it the most.”

Avenue will have to be on top of their game as they look to put last week’s shock defeat at Ashton behind them. Visitors Kendal are just outside the play-off zone in sixth place but have games in hand.

Guiseley have history with opponents Ossett as manager Steve Kittrick left Town to join the Lions, believing they were a bigger club with ambition to match his own.

This season bears out his judgement as Town are five points below the relegation trapdoor with games running out.