Bradford Park Avenue chairman Dr John Dean is urging supporters to show patience as manager Gary Brook strives to get his best starting XI fit.

But he is banking on the side bouncing straight back at Matlock Town tomorrow.

Avenue were missing a number of players for their opening game against Prescot Cables last week but still came up with a 1-0 victory.

However, on Tuesday, after more players joined the injury list, Avenue came a

cropper at North Ferriby United, beaten

5-2.

"Obviously we had a bad half at Ferriby but we have been hit by an unusual

number of injuries," said Dean.

"We had three key players out against Prescot and then two more were missing on Tuesday. You expect to have most of your players ready at the start of a season.

"To his credit, Gary has got a lot of

players in but they have all got to get to know one another in league matches. It is going to take time and we have all got to be patient.

"The players came back in the second half at Ferriby after trailing 5-0. It could have been disastrous. They played for their pride and did quite well in that

second period."

But the chairman is hoping Avenue can bounce straight back at Matlock tomorrow against a side that is struggling a

little.

He said: "All the players should be very up for this match and we may have one or two back from injury."

Brook is hoping at least that Steve Oleksewycz, who has been out with bruised ribs, will be fit to play his first game of the season and that Tom Agus will return to partner skipper Dean Jones in central defence.

"If we can beat Matlock we will have six points and then a home game against Lincoln United on Bank Holiday Monday," said Dean.

"Monday is a vital match for us. We need as many supporters as possible at Horsfall Stadium to get behind the team.

"I know the team can be frustrating at times but the players appreciate it when the fans get behind them. The crowd really does play a big role at home games.

"This league is going to be interesting this season and I am confident the manager has got a good set of players in.

"But we still haven't seen the XI he wants to play together. I think we will be quite a force once they are all injury free.

"There are some good teams in the UniBond Premier. The division is stronger than last season because of the teams who have come up, like North Ferriby, and those that have dropped down - it is a good league to watch."