THE fifth game of a busy start to the Vanarama National League North season has Bradford Park Avenue hosting FC United of Manchester tomorrow as the two strugglers battle it out.

There were high hopes and great expectations from the supporters in both camps at the end of pre-season but things have not panned out just yet.

However, Avenue boss Mark Bower is predicting a close but entertaining game at Horsfall Stadium.

He said: "FC United have had a tough start. In Southport and Spennymoor they've played a couple of the sides that we've played and we know just how difficult it is taking those teams on.

"They play a good style of football and it should be a good game.

"There is a little bit of history between the clubs, so there's always a desire to do well from both sides.

"I don't think you can read too much into points totals or league positions at this stage and we know we'll be facing a very good side and it'll be a hard game."

FC United opened with three defeats, all by the odd goal, before earning their first point of the season on Tuesday with a 3-3 draw at Southport.

The Mancunians suffered a pair of 2-1 losses and a 3-2 defeat, at Spennymoor, so have been unfortunate so far.

Avenue were unlucky at home to Southport after going down to ten men following some controversial decisions and were beaten 2-1 in the last minute.

They deserved at least a point from that game but ended up losing right back Javal Vidal to a three-game ban following a red card.

With Shane Killock still out injured, the defence has been a cause of concern to former Bantams centre back Bower.

He saw his side ship five goals against York City last weekend and three at Spennymoor in midweek. The Avenue manager also has fresh injury concerns, so may have to make changes again.

Bower said: "It's our fifth game in 15 days, so we're going to have injuries because that schedule will test any squad.

"The main doubts are Adam Nowakowski, Nicky Wroe and Nicky Boshell. Danny Boshell is also struggling to make it but he has more chance of being involved than the others."