Wakefield 0 Bradford Park Avenue 2

The sweltering conditions must agree with Avenue’s playing squad as they eased to victory in their second pre-season friendly in the baking heat.

Bradford added a win at Wakefield on Saturday to their opening pre-season victory over a Pakistan XI at Horsfall Stadium.

Both games took place in extremely high temperatures, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase warm-up games.

Avenue’s press officer Lewis Sale said: “It was another game when they called for drinks breaks with the well being of the players in mind. There were a lot of substitutions as well.

“Both clubs wanted to give a lot of players some match practice so it was a typical early pre-season friendly really, with John (Deacey, Avenue’s manager) keen to get another look at the trialists.”

Avenue fielded a similar squad to the one that took on a Pakistan XI just seven days earlier, apart from one addition. Lee Elam came in for his first run-out since signing in the close season.

Once again, former City striker Chib Chilaka was looking sharp and he had some early chances. Nicky Boshell was also looking dangerous but the first half remained goalless.

The visitors took the lead from Richard Marshall’s penalty after Danny Forrest had been brought down just inside the area.

Elam had come on at right back during the interval and it was his assist that led to Forrest drilling in the second.

The home keeper made some good saves as Avenue looked to add to their lead against their hosts from two divisions lower down the football pyramid.

Avenue’s major close season signings – Elam, Chilaka, Boshell and centre back Adam Quinn – all played at least half the game.

Deacey wants to use his men sparingly with other friendly fixtures coming up.

A different kind of test, but one that promises to be just as keen, awaits tomorrow when Avenue take on Northern Counties East Premier Division outfit Liversedge.