WITH the club in its worst run of form for many seasons, getting the toughest possible draw in the second qualifying-round of the FA Cup is not what the doctor ordered.

However, that is the scenario facing Bradford Park Avenue and beleaguered boss John Deacey after they were handed a tie against Vanarama Conference North leaders AFC Fylde.

The Conference North and South clubs have only joined in the competition in this round and the draw is still regionalised at this stage. That means Avenue could not have got a more difficult tie.

Deacey, whose side had lost their last five league games, one of them against Fylde, going into today’s home clash with Brackley Town said: “What have we done to deserve this?

“I just smiled when I heard the draw because you have to. If you didn’t laugh you would cry and there’s no point in doing that. The first time we’re in this year’s draw and we get the highest team in our division.

“It was either them or Barrow, the highest ranked. But you never know in the FA Cup. It’s the best competition for thrills, excitement and shock results. We will put a smile on our face, have some fun at training, get in the right frame of mind for the game and take on whoever we are up against.”

Fylde have rolled a lot of teams over this season but only beat Avenue 3-2 earlier this month. Barrow are second behind the newly-promoted Coasters but on goal difference only and have a game in hand.

At least Avenue will have home advantage next Saturday and Deacey, who praised the club’s supporters for their patience during last Monday’s 5-0 hammering at the hands of Oxford City, is glad about that.

Deacey said: “The fans will help us at home so we have every chance of going through. They didn’t get on the players’ backs last Monday and that is appreciated.

“They can have a go at me. That’s the right way of doing things because I’m the one responsible for the performances. I’m happy with a home draw against anyone and look how well we did against Hednesford Town last season.

“You never know, it could turn out to be a great boost for confidence and kick-start a good run in the league. We have a decent record in the FA Cup over the past few seasons and we’ll do whatever we can to keep up to those standards.”