Boss John Deacey is confident that Park Avenue’s ‘garbage’ defending against FC United of Manchester was a one-off.

The club’s main issue has been at the other end where failure to convert a host of chances has seen the Horsfall outfit’s promotion challenge stutter in recent weeks.

But Avenue’s rearguard had an off-day in the 5-2 festive hammering at home to their Lancashire rivals.

Deacey said: “Defensively, we were shocking and you can’t legislate for that.

“We wouldn’t have been shipping in goals if we had taken our early chances. We created a hatful of chances in the first 20 or 30 minutes but didn’t put them away.

“Then the game changed from 1-1 to 3-1 down in the blink of an eye.

“That was the turning point but we continued to make basic mistakes at the back.

“Our defending was rubbish, garbage, call it what you like.”

The defeat to FC United means Avenue have taken just one point from their last nine.

But Deacey insists there is plenty of time to come good and is backing his defence to tighten up again.

He said: “Usually, my defenders are quite solid, no matter who gets in the team.

“It is no time to panic. There is no need because we are still sixth going into today’s game (away at third- placed Hednesford Town) and there are 18 games left.

“I’m disappointed at the recent run as we all are but I back my squad 100 per cent. I will build the lads up and we will go again and get the results we need.”

Avenue are boosted by the return of last season’s top scorer Tom Greaves, who was sent out on loan to Garforth Town to gain match fitness.

The stint proved a success as Greaves bagged several goals. He is not the only player back in the Horsfall ranks.

Deacey said: “From today, we have defender James Knowles back. He has been on a three-week holiday to Australia and Tom is also back, so that should be a major boost.

“A big defensive lynchpin and a top scorer will be just what we need if they perform to their full potential.”