Vanarama North: Bradford Park Avenue 1 Stalybridge Celtic 0

AVENUE ensured that the seven-point cushion remained between themselves and the drop zone with a workmanlike victory to leave Stalybridge Celtic deep in the mire.

It would have been an even better day for Avenue had Colwyn Bay not pulled off a shock win by beating promotion-chasing Tamworth 2-0.

That win took the Welsh outfit above Stalybridge and prevented Avenue from being ten points clear of the relegation places.

Bradford will settle for the status quo, however, after doing what they had to do by banking three points from the visit of one of the clubs below them.

The only bad news was an injury to star striker Chib Chilaka and finishing the game with ten men after Chilaka’s replacement Lamin Colley was sent off within four minutes of coming on.

Boss John Deacey was just happy to get the points, and said: "After a poor start in the first 15 minutes, I thought we settled well, and once we got the goal we controlled the game.

“In the second half, they never troubled our keeper once, I can only remember one header at our goal and that was a comfortable enough take for John (Danby) so I don’t think it was ever in doubt.

“Bringing Simon Ainge into the club has made a big difference. He’s a captain and a leader and he bosses that defence. It’s not just his performances but he has really helped Ryan Qualter and Billy Priestley.

“They’re better players, and that’s down to Aingey’s experience and guidance. We’re a much harder side to break down now and that helps to win games like this.”

It was Qualter’s efforts at the other end of the pitch that ultimately made the difference as he scored the only goal of the game in the 41st minute. The initial corner kick was cleared for a throw-in by the Celts defence but Craig King received the throw and his deep cross picked out the big defender, whose header went in off the keeper after coming back off a post.

Stalybridge were skippered by former Avenue and Bradford City man Scott Kerr, and he was joined in the heart of their midfield by another familiar face in Michael Potts.

The former Guiseley man had a low shot that almost sneaked in by Danby’s near post minutes after the break.

Chilaka was forced off with a knock three minutes from time, and his replacement Colley was red carded in the first minute of stoppage time after following through with a high foot as he challenged Celts’ keeper Ross Etheridge.