BRADFORD (Park Avenue) enjoyed the perfect weekend in the Northern Premier League Premier Division without even playing, as their survival hopes remained alive.

They still look likely to go down, at four points from safety with two games to go, but if they win them both, Stafford Rangers would have to match that.

Basford United are the bigger threat, but if Avenue were to take six points from six, they would require one more victory, though two draws would probably be enough given their superior goal difference to their BD6 rivals.

Danny Whitaker’s men had to win at Horsfall last time out against Basford, knowing a draw or defeat would send them down.

They completed their job, securing a nervy 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Adrien Thibaut and Ted Lavelle.

But they are currently in the middle of a fortnight without a match, while Basford and Stafford both played their game in hand on Saturday.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford (Park Avenue) edged out Stafford Rangers at Horsfall last month, in what could still turn out to be a massive win in the scrap to avoid relegation.Bradford (Park Avenue) edged out Stafford Rangers at Horsfall last month, in what could still turn out to be a massive win in the scrap to avoid relegation. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Basford were visited by promotion-chasing Macclesfield, and things looked bleak for Avenue with 20 minutes to go after the hosts took a shock lead through Toby Ritzema.

But Macclesfield are not flying high in the league for nothing, and Luke Duffy’s equaliser was followed by two late goals for substitute Babatunde Owolabi, giving the away side a 3-1 win.

While Basford’s defeat was welcome news for Avenue, a win for Stafford would also have moved them four points ahead of Whitaker’s side.

They would have fancied their chances too at lowly Atherton Collieries, with the hosts knowing only a win would keep their own survival hopes alive.

But they did just that, as Dylan Thompson scored a few minutes before half-time to secure a 1-0 home win for his side.

Given the goal difference situation, it is still a tall order for Avenue to remain alive, so realistically they have to win at home to Gainsborough Trinity this Saturday, while also taking three points from their final game of the season at Matlock Town.

Even if they do that, they will have to rely on results elsewhere to ensure Basford and Stafford go down in their stead.