Bradford Park Avenue 2, Retford United 0 Park Avenue had to be patient but they edged over the line to bank victory over their basement-dwelling visitors.

The win means the Bradford club held on to fifth place, the last of the play-off places in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, and could go third with a home win over lower mid-table Ashton United tonight.

It was a difficult and frustrating afternoon against rock-bottom Retford United.

The Nottinghamshire outfit did all they could to not lose, packing their defence and keeper David Darwent turning in a man-of-the-match performance.

Bradford boss John Deacey was unimpressed with his side’s failure to break the visitors’ until the 59th minute.

He said: “We were rubbish. How many chances did we waste? We have done really well to put ourselves back in the frame for promotion but we have to do better to stay there.”

Avenue had dominated the first half against a side with five across midfield and a lone striker. The visitors had weathered a strong opening by the hosts but conceded just before the hour.

The breakthrough came with an own goal.

Avenue’s left winger Brice Tiani, a thorn in Retford’s side all game, went on another long run and cut inside the area along the line. His low centre beat Darwent and was turned over the line by right back Ian Robinson.

It was nothing more than Avenue’s relentless pressure deserved. They went in search of more goals and were rewarded in the 73rd minute.

Striker Aiden Savory had forced a corner and took it himself. It may have curled straight in at the back post but Adam Clayton was taking no chances and he nodded it over the line near the back post.

There were still chances for the home side to add to their goal tally as Retford’s remit was still to maintain a rearguard action.

Darwent was particularly brave to make one late save with Tom Greaves and Savory looking for any spills.

Deacey added: “I was disappointed overall but it has to be said that our players never lost their spirit and ground out this win.

“We will have James Knowles available for tonight but it looks as though Rob O’Brien’s season is over. He won’t be fit for the Ashton game and I don’t think he will play again, even if we make the play-offs.”