Bradford Park Avenue 2, Durham City 0

Simon Collins got his Avenue tenure underway with a victory in a low-key friendly in cricket weather at Horsfall Stadium.

The new manager’s new-look squad faced more problems from dehydration in the oppressive heat than from an equally all-new Durham City side, who are in transition following last season’s relegation.

The bone-hard, dusty pitch made it difficult for the teams but they more than went through he motions in this pre-season opener.

It was the first run-out for both squads and, while the north-east visitors went for one full side and four substitutes, Avenue had different teams for each half.

After a nondescript opening half hour, Avenue took the lead in the 34th minute with a well-worked goal. Rob O’Brien, who was playing in the hole behind lone striker David Heagney, started the move and netted from eight yards after taking a return pass from the striker.

Heagney went on a run minutes later but his shot on the turn from the corner of the area flashed across the face of goal and just wide of the far angle.

The home side did get another goal before the break – but only just.

A 44th-minute attack was temporarily halted by a foul three yards outside the Durham area. Luke Gibson fired the resulting free-kick low and around the wall, visiting keeper James Winter spilled the ball and Josh Radcliffe rammed the rebound home from close range.

Only three Avenue players came back out for the second half – Ryan Serrant, who had taken the captain’s armband from Simon Baldry, centre back Radcliffe and goalkeeper Ben Scott. Collins made another four outfield changes at various points but Scott remained.

Avenue finished well, with Kevin Sanasay, Tom Greaves and Brice Tiani all going close to adding a third goal.

Collins said: “It was a very good run-out for the lads and they have done well on a pitch that hasn’t done anyone any favours.

“I’m happy with what I’ve seen and there were one or two who have given me something extra to think about. I threw a totally different system at them as well and they have dealt with it.

“There is nothing to get carried away about because it’s very early doors. There are a lot of games for us to try different things and get the players sharper before the league games start.”