BRADFORD Park Avenue, who have taken just one point out of a possible nine this year, are looking to strengthen their squad.

Mark Bower revealed his National League North play-off hopefuls have been chasing a couple of players this week, one of whom is a forward.

"I don't think either of them will be signed in time to face Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow but hopefully they will be signed in time for next weekend," said the Avenue boss.

"One player we are having to be patient with as we are suffering from the domino effect from leagues above.

"But I think it will please our fans when we do sign him, while the other player I would describe as a low-risk gamble."

Eighth-placed Avenue, who are one of only six clubs to have played 26 league matches so far this season (12 have played 25 and four have played 24), only had a small squad to start the season off.

To add to the issue, they suffered injuries to Mark Ross and Wayne Brooksby in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at York.

Bower said: "Wayne injured a hamstring and is likely to be out for three weeks, while Mark suffered a hip injury and has been for a scan and is likely to be out for a similar length of time."

One of the things that pleased Avenue's manager last weekend was the strength of away support at Bootham Crescent.

"For us to take over half of our regular home crowd to an away game is fantastic – and even when we were behind, our fans were the ones singing," he said.

"It was a tight match and the first goal was always going to be crucial. When Jon Parkin was put away, I always knew that he was going to score, even though it was on his weaker foot.

"He is still a quality player in the way that he brings other players into the game and he could still play at the level above.

"With York having signed him until the end of next season, I am sure they are hoping he will be playing with them in the level above next season.

"But we know that if we can maintain a consistent level of performance, our results over the longer term will come good."