Bradford Park Avenue travel to second-placed Frickley Athletic tonight (7.45) desperate for a result to stop their free-fall down the UniBond Premier Division.

Five straight league defeats have left players, directors and fans fearful about being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Manager Gary Brook, who accused some of his players of "cheating" during the first half against Matlock Town last Saturday, is angry about a run that has seen Avenue not win in ten league games.

Brook said: "Never in my career have I gone ten games without a win - as a manager or a player. And it hurts.

"It hurts the players as well but it is only them who can pull the team out of this on the pitch. We murdered Matlock in the second half and that is how we have to perform."

Teenage keeper Neil Thompson, on loan from Carlisle United, will now stay at Horsfall Stadium until the end of the season. His confidence has improved with each game and, despite letting in two goals last Saturday, he had a good game.

Brook has told his players to perform - or leave. "The players are just not working for the side at times. They have been told in no uncertain terms now. They either perform or they go.

"There are some good players here. I get inquired about them from other clubs week in and week out. And I have told them this.

"But you have got to perform consistently. Otherwise we are going to be in a battle.

"One or two of the players have to take a look at themselves."

Tonight's task is a mammoth one, bearing in mind that Frickley won 4-1 at Horsfall in October.

Midfielder Damien Dunne is available for Avenue this evening - his suspension for being sent off at Gateshead doesn't kick-in until tomorrow.

AFC Telford, who are struggling in the lower reaches of the table, have sacked manager Bernard McNally. Bottom club Leek Town sacked their manager Nigel Deeley earlier this month.

Avenue (from): Thompson, O'Brien, Agus, Smith, Wray, Jones, Dunne, Bernard, Greaves, Flynn, Newton, Oleksewycz, Challender, Walsh.