Bradford Park Avenue will be glad that their away league form is better than their home record as they look to get their promotion bid back on track when they journey to Mickleover Sports in the Evo-Stik Premier Division on Saturday.

Avenue are fifth, just four points behind leaders Chorley, who have played a game more but have taken just one point from the last six on offer.

Mickleover are a lowly 17th in the table and have amassed less than half of Avenue’s points total from the same number of games.

John Deacey’s men have progressed in their last two FA Cup ties and last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Warrington Town alone banked them £4,500 in prize-money.

So Bradford’s season has not hit an early peak but just a dip in the league which cost them top spot.

Deacey said: “I have signed Amjad Iqbal and he will be playing - he can bring some stability to our defence.

"There will also be other changes because I wasn’t at all happy with some of the players in the previous two games.

“It doesn’t look like James Knowles will be fit but then could I trust him anyway after he assured us all he was before the Warrington game but obviously wasn’t?

"I am hoping Adam Clayton will be back. I’m sure the midweek break has done all of the players some good.”

Avenue have just had their first free midweek since the season started, so important rest and recuperation was necessary.

Deacey will be hoping that his players have had plenty because there are six points on offer in the space of three days.

Following the weekend trip to Mickleover, there will be no time to blink before the next game, which is at home on Monday against Kendal Town.

If Avenue are to maintain their challenge, they will need a maximum from both fixtures.

Deacey added: “We made our own problems against Warrington but the substitutes pulled us out of the fire. I’m looking for more from our so-called established players.”

Iqbal signed for Bradford last Friday but not in time to feature in the FA Cup.

He said: “I did actually sign the day before but the registration didn’t go through in time for the cup tie.

"I didn’t know if the manager wanted me to play straightaway because I have been out a long time after the injury.

“I have been training with the club and he asked me to play in a game against good opposition the midweek before last, and that was a big surprise to me.

"I was delighted to come through it and my leg feels strong now - as good as ever really so it’s time for my comeback.”