Midfielder Ross Daly has been a revelation in his first season at Horsfall Stadium but admitted this week that it had been difficult for him stepping up.

Daly was signed from Avenue’s neighbours Thackley during the close season and he appeared to have taken the transition from Baris Northern Counties East League to Evo-Stik League in his stride.

But the player knows he has had to work at it, saying: “I have settled in and it has been going well but it has been a challenge.

“It’s always strange when you move clubs, even in the same league, but to play at this level is different altogether.

“I have really enjoyed it and it has been good to play against these clubs, so I think it has been a challenge that I have coped with well.

“It is a good team to play in though and that helps. The lads are great, we have a decent gaffer and we play good football, which for me as a midfielder is brilliant. There is always someone making a run or in a position to get forward.”

Daly has received praise from manager John Deacey and club chairman John Dean as he has forced his way not just into the team but as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

But he did not angle for the move and was very happy last season at his former club.

Daly said: “I have some very good friends at Thackley and it’s a great club. I didn’t want to leave. But I was asked by the Bradford gaffer to come for a trial last summer and it went well and they signed me.

“We are all hoping we can put pressure on (leaders) Chester between now and the end of the season. Everything about this club is ready for the Conference North and that’s where we as players want to be. We need to put a good run together and at least finish in the play-offs.

“There is a good buzz around the club and the manager and coaches have done well to keep team morale up. We haven’t played many games recently because of the bad weather but they have had us in for training and kept spirits really high. We just want games now.”