Lowestoft Town 3 Bradford Park Avenue 2

BRADFORD Park Avenue go into tonight’s home clash with Oxford City desperate for points after a fourth consecutive defeat in Vanarama Conference North.

All four losses have been suffered in close games, and on Saturday Bradford were beaten at newcomers Lowestoft Town by the odd goal in five.

The game was defined by an eight-minute second-half spell in which four of the five goals were scored.

Avenue boss John Deacey had been trying to sign a left back to cover for the injured Martin Drury but the surprise on the team-sheet was a new keeper.

George Willis made his Avenue debut at Lowestoft, a second short-term loan signing from Sheffield United joining centre back Julian Banton.

Willis did not get off to the best start as the Trawlerboys’ first goal was from his attempted clearance.

It struck one of his own defenders but Lowestoft’s Chris Henderson claimed the final touch.

That was just before the quarter-hour mark, and it was the only goal of the first half, but there was a dizzying start to the second period.

Just six minutes after the restart, close-season signing Brad Barraclough opened his Avenue account with the equaliser.

Two minutes later, Ryan Qualter put Bradford 2-1 in front but they held that lead very briefly. Andrew Fisk levelled within a minute and the Trawlerboys had the lead back before the hour as Henderson bagged his brace.

The defeat dropped Bradford two places to 17th, while Lowestoft climbed three to 11th. While Avenue were returning empty-handed, tonight’s opponents beat Gainsborough Trinity 2-0 at home.

Oxford come into the game having won their last two as they beat Boston United 7-2 in their last away game in midweek. They will be full of confidence as they come to Bradford in the top five.

However, there is only a five-point difference between Avenue and their opponents, who are in a play-off place. There is plenty to gain for the victors of tonight’s game, which is the tenth of a 42-match campaign