Last week was a productive one for Bradford Park Avenue as they took six points in three days to keep the UniBond Division One North pacesetters in sight - and they have an opportunity to do the same this week.

Avenue host Bamber Bridge on Saturday and then make the short journey to take on leaders Curzon Ashton on Monday. The previous two victories lifted Avenue back up to fourth place and another two could really shake up the top-six placings.

But while last week's wins came against Chorley and Woodley Sports - second and sixth-bottom respectively - the next two opponents are, like Avenue, at the sharp end of the table.

"The two games this time around will certainly be very competitive but we are in good spirits after climbing right back into the mix," said Horsfall boss Benny Phillips.

For once the manager has no new injury problems and can actually add players to his squad. He is also closing in on two new signings but has lost one of his midfielders to suspension.

Phillips said: "I hope the two new players will be signed in time to feature against Bamber Bridge; if not then maybe for the Curzon game. I can't divulge any names at this stage because nothing has been settled and I don't want to scupper the deals.

"That would be one on loan and one a permanent signing. I'm told it will definitely happen but I have heard that said many times down the years. All I will say is that I'm 99 per cent certain they will come off."

Phillips is looking at a player from a rival club and one who played at a higher level last season.

He added: "We had no new injuries from the last two games, so that is a real bonus, but Steve Connors will be out as he begins a suspension. I hope it's only a one-game ban but I haven't seen any documentation on that.

"Ross Clegg has been playing with hamstring injuries for some time now, so he is going to need a longish rest. He probably won't feature on Saturday but I don't want to rule him out just yet.

"He is the vice-captain and with Steve Connors, who is skipper, also missing it could make a big hole in midfield that needs plugging. The one good point in that department is that Tom Baker could be fit.

"We can't throw everyone into this game without thinking about Monday, as two games in three days is a test for any squad. These matches are big but there is still a long way to go this season, so I don't want to overestimate the importance.

"We have to remember the league is our priority and nothing will be settled until next April."