Nantwich Town 0 Bradford Park Avenue 1

 Bradford Park Avenue bounced back from a home defeat to second-placed Colwyn Bay with a victory on the road that took them back into the top half of the table and sets them up nicely for tomorrow night’s visit of runaway leaders FC Halifax Town.

Both Halifax and Colwyn were denied action at the weekend, frustrated by frozen pitches.

That could mean there is a bumper crowd heading to Horsfall Stadium for tomorrow’s big derby.

The Bradford players will be high on confidence following their victory in Cheshire.

The three points were welcome but the improved display was even more rewarding.

It was an entertaining game and Avenue had to ride their luck as Nantwich struck the woodwork three times. They also had lots of efforts on target but returning keeper John Lamb had a solid second debut.

Town had a new signing of their own in Jordan Connington, who is on loan from npower League Two side Crewe.

He forced Lamb into his first good save, as the keeper got his fingertips to a shot midway through the first half.

Lamb’s opposite number, Town stopper Adam Allcock, was also on tip-top form and he made his first contribution just after the half-hour. A good through ball from Matty James had put Rob O’Brien in shooting range but Allcock made a superb save.

The home side hit the bar twice in the latter stages of the first half, Lamb pushing the first long-range effort against the woodwork.

Avenue striker Aidan Savory was causing problems for the home team and he forced an early second-half corner. That one led to nothing but the visitors snatched the only goal of the game in the 50th minute.

A mazy run by James started the move and he released substitute Tom Greaves down the inside right channel. Greaves still had work to do but he drilled a shot in from a tight angle.

A burst of pace, neat turn and shot from Greaves pulled another great save from Allcock before the home side hit Lamb’s crossbar for a third time with a header from a throw-in.

Savory had a late effort pushed for a corner by Allcock but Town striker Michael Lennon was then denied as Lamb parried his shot for a corner.

Both sides finished with ten men as two yellow cards caught up with Avenue’s Steve Burton and Town defender Craig Mitchell.

Avenue chairman John Dean said: “It was that type of game, end to end, so if there were any neutrals in the crowd they would really have enjoyed it.

“All in all it was a very good win for us because Nantwich are a good side.

“With City and Halifax not playing on Saturday there might be a few coming to Horsfall tomorrow to see a game. There were 2,000 at The Shay when we played the league game there back in October.

“This game and the one at home to Buxton on Saturday are massive in terms of our season and the aims we have.”