Bradford Park Avenue 0 Gainsborough Trinity 2

An injury to Bradford keeper Tim Deasy had a huge bearing on the game as Avenue lost last night’s clash with Blue Square North play-off rivals Gainsborough Trinity.

Avenue had been the more positive side in the goalless first half but had their keeper carried off soon after the interval.

It led to a second defeat on the trot for John Deacey’s men, who had been in imperious form prior to this as they racked up three straight victories and improved their goal difference.

Several chances were created and fired on target but the visitors’ keeper was equal to anything that came his way.

Deasy collapsed in pain after making a save to deny Trinity’s Paul Connor just minutes into the second period and had to be stretchered off with suspected knee ligament damage.

Skipper James Knowles donned the gloves and he acquitted himself well but was eventually beaten.

Trinity substitute Terry Hawkridge latched onto a through ball in the 68th minute and glided past the stand-in keeper before scoring the opener.

Just six minutes later Bradley Barrowclough fired a shot across Knowles that found the far corner of his net.

Avenue created chances in the final stages and a large amount of stoppage time – due to injuries to Deasy and Trinity centre back Luke Waterfield, who also had to be carried from the pitch – gave them further hope of staging a dramatic comeback.

But the home side could not unlock the visitors’ defence.

Avenue press officer Lewis Sale said: “Alex Davison was our best player going forward and a lot of the chances fell to him.

“We created so much in the game – played well again – but it has been one of those nights. It was definitely one to forget.”