John Deacey feels Bradford Park Avenue’s midweek friendly has had a hugely beneficial effect on his squad.
Just six games into the new campaign, and following their first free midweek, Avenue boss Deacey arranged a game on Wednesday rather than have another training session.
With a busy week coming up – at home to AFC Telford United tomorrow, a big derby at Guiseley on Tuesday and another home game against Solihull Moors next Saturday – it was a calculated risk.
There were some negative comments regarding the wisdom of the home friendly, with concerns raised about potential damage to the pitch at Horsfall Stadium on what was one of the wettest nights this season and the possibility of injuries.
It was not the fear of heavy tackles from opponents Beeston but because of more physical contact than in a training session and the treachery of a skiddy surface.
But Deacey feels it was a brave decision and the correct one, explaining: “It was a success and we will have Jamie Price back in the squad today because of it.
“Jamie played in the practice game against a local side and he came through it very well indeed. He has been out since breaking two ribs in a pre-season friendly but showed he is over that and he got some match fitness back.
“Jordan (midfielder Deacey, who broke his arm in two places in the same pre-season fixture against Farsley) also played some of the game. He was only on for 25 minutes but he got three penalties. I think their defenders were struggling to handle him.
“Jordan and Dru (Martin Drury) are not quite ready, so they won’t be in the squad this weekend. We will miss them because Adam (Clayton) and Scott (Maxfield, the recent signing from Buxton) are both suspended.
“They are both out for three games, Adam for his sending off against Oxford City and Scott because he picked up a straight red card for Buxton.
“But we have 15 players available for the Telford game and you can only pick 11, so I think we’ll be all right.”
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