Avenue begin their FA Trophy campaign tomorrow, with the club chairman boldly predicting: We can win this.

With the FA Cup dream shattered by Bridlington Town, Frank Thornton believes a run in the second most important cup competition is not only a necessity but more than a strong possibility.

"Not only is tomorrow's game at Horsfall Stadium winnable, I think three or four are," said Thornton.

"In fact in the position we are in - second in the UniBond League, there is no reason why we can't win the whole thing.

"I think a good run is very important to everyone at the club."

Although the financial incentives for advancement in the Trophy don't come anywhere near the pots of cash available in the FA Cup, Thornton believes decent progress in the competition could attract the crowds and inspire another good season at the club.

"If we can have a good run it could capture the imagination of the spectators," said Thonton, still furious at this week's news that the Paddy Kenny transfer investigation has come to nothing.

"We have had good runs in the competition in the past and brought a lot of people down and created a lot of interest in the club.

"And I think this is essential again. It is not a must-win game, there is no such thing, but is a could-win game and a could-win trophy."

Avenue have reached the last 32 of the competition on three occasions but have yet to make it past that stage.

In 1972-1973 they went out to Morecambe and their next long run, in 1996-1997, was also halted by The Shrimps. The crowd at Horsfall that day was 915 which is still the best recorded by the re-formed club in a competitive match.

Another long run came in 1998-99 which ended at Premier Division Colwyn Bay.

The full-back spot remains a tricky position to fill tomorrow with Andy Quinn still suffering the affects of the red-card challenge against Runcorn and Matt Daly sitting out his second suspension of the season.

Avenue played out a 0-0 draw with Altrincham earlier this month at Moss Lane but were the stronger side and will be looking to ensure that this time out they convert the many chances sure to be created by wing wizard Rory Prendergast.

Ian Richards, having secured his FIFA clearance, will be hoping for a start after only making the bench for Saturday's disappointing

3-2 defeat at home to Whitb Town.

And assistant manager Ian Thompson will be looking forward to locking horns once more with the Manchester side after playing a couple of seasons for them in the Conference.