League fixture welcomed by Bradford Park Avenue after abundance of cup ties

Avenue have been sidetracked recently – and not just by their run to the first round of the FA Cup, which ended in inglorious fashion last weekend. They were beaten 8-1 and had two men sent off as they limped out at AFC Totton.

John Deacey’s men went some way to getting over that defeat when they won in midweek but that was also in a cup competition.

Avenue edged to a 4-3 win on penalties in the Doodson Sports Evo-Stik League Cup third round after a 1-1 stalemate following 120 minutes at Stocksbridge PS.

They won two Premier Division games before their back-to-back cup ties but the four fixtures immediately before that were all in knockout competitions, with two FA Cup wins before a draw and then a replay defeat in the FA Trophy.

Throw in a postponement and it all adds up to Avenue having played just three league games since the start of last month, although the six points they picked up from those fixtures sees them still a healthy fifth in the table.

But they are now 11 points off leaders Northwich Victoria and needing to win their three games in hand to stay in the title race.

Saturday’s hosts are a lowly 15th but Avenue are vulnerable and need to ensure their season does not fall apart after the trouncing at Totton.

Club press officer Lewis Sale said: “Tuesday was an encouraging performance and at least the result should lift a few heads, even though it came after penalties.

“The biggest plus was that Matty James returned after missing most of the season with injury. A back complaint has kept him sidelined but he had a scan and was told he could play.

“John (Deacey) eased him in as Matty came off the bench to replace Adnan Ahmed, who had made his first start since signing.

“Once again though, the best performances were from the younger players – Michael Duckworth, Billy Law and Jordan Deacey, who had his best game of the season.

“James Knowles also had a good game, which was pleasing for everyone.”