Chib Chilaka was on target in Avenue’s opening pre-season friendly at the weekend and the former Bradford City prospect looked in excellent condition.

Bradford boss John Deacey had spoken about the individual fitness of the players as they returned to training just days before they took on a Pakistan XI at Horsfall Stadium on Sunday.

Deacey’s men had to battle through a couple of brief spells when the visitors – whose squad was padded out by local semi-professional players – were on top. However, on a blistering hot day Avenue won a game that was played at practice match pace 5-3.

Chilaka looked sleek and slender as he took his place in the starting line-up and showed a burst of speed to lose his marker. He was aware as a through ball was eased in his direction and he stabbed a shot under the advancing keeper.

It was Chilaka’s second debut after having had a spell with Avenue on loan when he was a Bantam.

Another player making a comeback was Nicky Boshell, who has returned after a season at Conference North rivals Guiseley.

Boshell was not on the scoresheet as the other four goals were shared amongst the regulars from last season. Richard Marshall, Adam Clayton, Tom Corner and Nathan Hotte all weighed in, much to the delight of Deacey.

After making seven signings and including three trailists in their first warm-up game, the manager feels the summer overhaul is complete.

He said: “We have strengthened the squad a little bit but the core of it is still the same.

“Hotte (who has skippered the side since club captain James Knowles departed just before the transfer deadline passed last March) Alex Davidson, Paul Walker, Martin Drury, John Lamb, Richard Marshall, Ross Daly and Michael Duckworth. Those players did so well for us last season and it’s great to be able to keep that squad together and build on it.

"I expect quite a lot from Tom Corner this season. He came in last season and started really well but he got injured and didn’t fulfil his potential. He looks fully fit now and is really sharp in training.

“I think he and Ross will really benefit from a good pre-season.

“Ross was unlucky last season with the hip operation just before the season started. It meant he was always playing catch-up by the time he came back and that was when the side was picking itself because of form and fitness.

“There are big things to come from a lot of these players.”