Bradford Park Avenue 0 Droylsden 2

 Avenue had a very bright start to Saturday’s pre-season friendly, and it was not down to the day-glo pink shirts that were being paraded for the first time.

But despite their dominant opening, it was Dave Cameron that was left celebrating on his return to Horsfall Stadium.

The former Avenue boss and Bloods striker rejoined the Blue Square North club as No 2 last season.

Droylsden broke the deadlock very much against the run of play following some poor defending from the home side at a set-piece. The visitors forced a 12th-minute corner which which Ciaran Killheeney headed in.

Avenue took that blow on the chin and concentrated on their passing game. Their closest scoring chance soon followed. Skipper Martin Drury floated a chip across the area and it struck the inside of the post with the visitors’ keeper flat-footed.

A good shot on the run from Tom Greaves flew inches wide but Droylsden had one more chance before half-time, a well directed low drive that Avenue keeper Ben Scott was equal to, saving at full stretch.

Into the second period, a Simon Baldry free-kick hit the wall and the ball rebounded to Lewis Nightingale, who lashed a shot towards the top corner only to see Droylsden’s keeper make a superb diving save.

Just before the hour, Avenue were guilty of defensive hari-kari once again as they conceded a penalty. Centre back James Knowles brought Bloods’ half-time substitute David McNiven down and the striker got up to net from the spot.

Avenue manager Simon Collins said: “There were some things that pleased me and some that didn’t. Penalties and set-pieces apart Droylsden didn’t look like they were going to score.

“They are from a higher division and I would think that they will be one of the promotion favourites this season.

“In that respect you can put our performance down as a very good one.”