Avenue boss John Deacey was glad of a fixture-free midweek so that he could work with his players on the training ground and rectify the errors that crept in last time out.

The team finally had a home league game last Saturday, 73 days after their previous one, and Deacey had hoped for a fairytale homecoming after waiting so long but there was to be no happy ending.

It was a key fixture as visitors Colwyn Bay were second in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division but only nine points better off and Avenue had three games in hand.

So it was not the best time to turn in a performance that was littered with mistakes – but that is exactly what Avenue did in a 4-1 defeat.

That loss left Avenue in 12th spot, just three places above Saturday’s hosts Nantwich Town. The home side need a win to join Avenue on 30 points and this time it is they who have three games in hand.

Deacey said: “Since I came back we were unbeaten in four away games before last Saturday and I had never worried about our defence. We had defended so well in the games before that it just wasn’t a concern for me.

“All that changed last Saturday. Going forward we were very good and I actually think we created more than Colwyn Bay, even though they won it by that scoreline.

“It was a poor display overall and I said that at the time but the way we pushed forward and worked in midfield was good. Another plus was Matty Plummer on his debut and Michael Hale making some important saves.”

Plummer was captured from leaders FC Halifax Town and he slotted in at right back in place of Stephen Downes, who has played his last game for Avenue as he is going through with his emigration to Australia.

Deacey said: “We need to get back to winning ways and it won’t be easy at Nantwich. It wasn’t a disaster last week but it has given us a mountain to climb to get into the play-offs.

“We won’t play sides as good as Colwyn every week but if we make individual errors like we did against them then we will struggle to win any game.

“That is why I’m glad we had a free midweek so Mark (assistant Hume) and myself could spend some time coaching the players and working them hard.”