Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower is delighted to have brought in striker Jake Beesley so soon after losing last season's top scorer Adam Boyes.

He admitted that the new loan signing, who was at Salford City last season, brings different qualities to the departing Boyes though, saying: "Jake is not the same type of player.

"He's a big lad so he gives us plenty of presence up front but he's also pacy too. He needs some game time under his belt but he can definitely improve us.

Beesley is only at the club temporarily, but Bower believes that the club can benefit in other departments from the sale of Boyes.

He said: "Adam signed a two-year contract when we got him last season, so selling him to Spennymoor Town earned us good money, which is useful at our level.

"It was still a blow to lose a player who scored 24 goals for us last season though."

Boyes' last competitive game for Avenue came in the club's heartbreaking Vanarama National League North play-off semi-final defeat to Brackley Town.

Those two sides face off again in the opening league game of the season at Horsfall tomorrow and Bower said: "It's one of the hardest games we could have faced.

"It's not about getting revenge for last season though. It's just a coincidence that we're playing them again.

"That's all in the past and besides, there have been a few changes to both squads since then.

"Everyone is starting again from the same position and this is a chance for us to get points on the board."

Bower was pleased to finish pre-season on a high note, as his side recorded a 2-0 win over Barrow last weekend.

Academy player Matthew Rowntree scored his first senior goal in the game and Bower said: "We've only got a small squad so there's always a chance for the youngsters if they're good enough.

"We do need to bring in more senior players but under the excellent coaching of Alex Meechan, the academy will continue to improve and thrive in the long-term."