Avenue's strength in depth tested (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Avenue's strength in depth tested

1:55pm Thursday 15th February 2007 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Park Avenue bid to bounce back from losing their first game of the year at home to Ossett Albion on Saturday - but will have to do so without two of their best players.

The visit of mid-table Albion is a must-win game after Avenue slipped out of the play-off places in UniBond Division One last week when their game against Eastwood Town was postponed.

But they are missing former Bradford City midfielder Neil Redfearn and flying winger Liam Flynn, who are sitting out one-game bans.

"They are both for an accumulation of bookings and we could have done without that," said Avenue boss Phil Sharpe, whose side lost for the first time in 2007 at home to Woodley Sports in their last game.

"Two of our key men out for the same game and against a team which gets results on the quiet.

"Albion have the capabilities to pick up wins when you least expect it - you underestimate them at your peril.

"We will see how strong our squad is. With Neil and Flynny missing, it will provide opportunities for others to show what they can bring. I'm hoping to get a long look at Craig Farrand.

"Since we signed him he has spent a lot of time on the bench. Twenty minutes here and there is not what he was looking for. To be fair, we went on a good run and went through January unbeaten just after Craig arrived.

"It might have held him back but he knows why. It wasn't that we didn't rate him or weren't ready to put our faith in him.

"All being well, Craig will start on Saturday and we will see how he fits in."

Sharpe, who was recently put on contract at the club along with assistant Clive Freeman, is also hoping to name Steve Ball in the squad.

"He has been getting games in at Glasshoughton Welfare on loan and is up to match fitness.

Avenue (from): Skiba, Lennon, Grayston, Wilson, Connor, Shaw, Shuttleworth, Clarke, Cooke, Parke, Ross, Farrand, Ball, Longley.