Chairman John Dean believes that results at fortress Horsfall will decide whether Avenue book a place in the end-of-season extras.

The Bradford club have a glut of home games and their target is a place in the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-offs.

They had a poor start to the campaign which led to Simon Collins walking away from the manager’s job.

Last season’s boss John Deacey returned, just as the extreme weather took its toll on the fixture-list, and Avenue go into today’s game having just reached the halfway point of their season.

“We have played 21 of our 42 league fixtures and of those left, 14 are at home with only seven away,” said Dean.

Deacey has taken charge of just five games, and last Saturday’s 2-0 loss to FC United of Manchester at Gigg Lane was his first defeat.

Dean added: “I think we were unfortunate against FC United and should have won the game. We had most of the play and created a lot of chances and once again the style of football was a pleasure to watch.

“I’m sure John (Deacey) can get us into the play-offs but we have to be strong at home to do that.

“The game against Colwyn Bay (tomorrow) will be the first under John in the league at home and everyone is looking forward to it.

“If the team plays with the same desire and energy that we have seen in the away games since John took over again, then there is every likelihood that we will get enough points from the remaining games.

“We haven’t seen the players perform at home under John this season but I think we can all help by creating a good atmosphere.

“The trouble is that there is not a big margin for error because of our inconsistent first two months.

“If we are to get into the play-offs we cannot afford too many defeats.”

Deacey has his usual laconic take on things. He said: “Yes, we have a lot of home games, but that means nothing unless we win them.

“One good thing is that it will keep the missus happy – a lot of Saturday nights free.”