New Avenue manager John Deacey is hoping to get his teeth into the job on Saturday when his club travel to Cheshire to take on Witton Albion in the UniBond League Premier Division.

The former Farsley Celtic boss was denied a home start to his reign when last Saturday’s game against Ashton United was postponed. It was frustrating but, with only two fixtures beating the weather, not damaging to Avenue’s position.

Deacey, who had only been appointed the previous Wednesday, was not too disappointed because it gave him extra time to work with the squad. The weather has also affected the training schedules, so Avenue came up with an idea.

Director and spokesman Kevin Hainsworth explained: “Our first team played games against our reserves and our under-19s sides behind closed doors at Horsfall Stadium last Wednesday.

“They also have a full training session at our new La Liga Soccer Centre at Thornbury tonight. They have been training there regularly on Thursdays and will continue to do that even though the centre is now open to the public.

“The games on Wednesday were to give John a chance to see the squad in a match situation but also to bring the fitness levels back up to scratch. It was very important to get a game in.

“It will be three weeks since the squad were last involved in a proper game by Saturday when we have a big fixture at Witton. We can’t afford to drop any more points and John didn’t want to go into the Witton game under-prepared.”

With no meaningful action since Deacey took charge, the Avenue boss has no fresh injury worries but his squad is one man down. Close-season signing Stuart Graves, who has been in and out of the squad through injury, has departed.

“Stuart has left the club and as yet we haven’t had contact from any other club regarding his registration,” said Hainsworth.

“He has been travelling in from a long distance. He was car sharing with others but they have since left. Coming in on his own such a long way, especially when he couldn’t play once he got here, was getting to him so he asked to be released from his contract and we agreed to that request.

“Everyone else is okay; firing on all cylinders in fact. They are just waiting for an opportunity to impress the new manager and hopefully they will get it on Saturday.”