Boss John Deacey is poised to hand FC Halifax Town loan midfielder Liam Needham his debut on Saturday when Bradford Park Avenue bid to go level with visitors Boston United.

Avenue have only won two league games since gaining promotion to the Blue Square Bet North but they have lost just three of their eight games.

Boston, who beat Avenue at Horsfall Stadium in front of more than 2,000 fans in the UniBond Premier Division play-off final in 2010, have won four and lost four.

Deacey said: “Needham came in at the same time as Craig Radcliffe but the paperwork wasn’t settled as quickly so he couldn’t play last week.

“Craig did play and it was good for us to get back to winning ways.”

Avenue progressed in the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at Curzon Ashton which ended a three-match losing run in the league. However, Avenue are still 14th and just three points adrift of their ninth-placed visitors.

“It will be a test for us against Boston, a big test”, added Deacey.

“They are in a nice position in the league after having a good start and they have always been a tough team to play.

“They beat Chester (third place but level on points with second-placed Guiseley ) last time out and Chester had been unbeaten up until then, so it won’t be easy.

“But I have Liam available, Jordan (Deacey) has served his one-match suspension for a sending off for two yellow cards and hopefully Tom (Greaves) will be ready, so we have a few coming back.

“I think Craig had a good game last week and we tightened up at the back.”

Deacey admits his team have yet to fully find their feet since stepping up a level. He said: “It’s still early doors but we have to grow up a bit in this league.

“We have to get tighter and earn clean sheets. In nine games in all competitions this season we haven’t done that yet.”