John Deacey is quietly pleased with Bradford Park Avenue's start to the season but will wait until after this weekend before deciding if it will be a long arduous campaign or if a promising season is in prospect.

Tomorrow Avenue are at at Harrogate Town, while on Monday they host FC Halifax Town.

Defeats in those derby games would put an entirely different complexion on it and render the four- point haul from their first two games almost worthless.

The Bradford boss feels that will not happen and points to two players that suggest that instead of fearing the future, Avenue should embrace it.

“I have been very impressed by this keeper,” said Deacey about close-season signing Tim Deasy.

“His handling is good and he is very vocal, he’s always coming out to tell his defenders exactly what he is expecting of them. Those are very good qualities and he also brings all that experience with him.

“He has been with Macclesfield Town, Barrow and Gateshead, so he has done the business at some good clubs and constantly at a high level.

“Matty James played very well at Vauxhall in midweek so to have him back fully fit is like having a new player.

"He had been poorly before last Saturday and he wasn’t expecting to play as much but we had no choice when Danny Holland got injured.”

James missed almost all of last season after having an operation on his back but he had been a force for Avenue prior to that injury.

With Nathan Hotte and Deacey’s son Jordan in the engine room of midfield, the new signings Holland and Jamie Jackson have been able to flourish up front in pre-season.

“It looks good but four points from our first two games could have been six or three. It is all very tight and with a weekend like this with two big games it doesn’t get any easier,” added Deacey.

“We just have to keep trying our best. The last thing we needed was this little bout of injuries that we have but you just have to get on with it. It’s part and parcel of the game - same for every club.

“All four of the local clubs have had a steady start - look at Guiseley sitting pretty at the top, and I’m delighted. Not just for us. Having some local rivals doing well will inspire us.

"It’s early doors yet, we know that, but I hope we keep getting the results and enjoy it. I want the players, directors and supporters all to enjoy it as they have done over these past couple of seasons.”