Avenue manager John Deacey remained non-committal as to weather Tom Greaves would make his 200th appearance for the club at home to Boston United tomorrow but he did have some kind words for the striker and the two defenders he released last week.

Greaves, whose goal in the last few minutes of extra-time in the play-off final last season booked Avenue’s promotion to the Conference North, was a frustrated figure last weekend.

He was an unused substitute as Bradford beat Curzon Ashton 3-1 in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Deacey said: “Everybody wants to know if Tom will be playing but we will have to wait and see. I hope he does play his 200th game for Avenue because he has waited and deserves it but I have to look at the bigger picture.”

The manager used all three of his substitutes in other areas at Ashton and the forward line was doing well, with Danny Holland bagging a brace and Alex Davidson returning from injury to score the opening goal of the game.

It is unlikely that Deacey will change a winning formula after last Saturday’s victory ended a three-game losing streak.

Avenue are also in need of points in the league so Deacey will do what he feels best for the club regardless of individual circumstances.

However he did add: “I really hope Greavesy does get it because he has been a great servant to the club and has contributed some very important goals. On top of all that he is a really nice lad and a pleasure to deal with at training and in games.”

The two players Deacey drafted in on loan before last weekend’s cup tie were Liam Needham, from FC Halifax Town, and Harrogate Town’s Craig Radcliffe.

The signings strengthened Avenue’s contingent of experienced players who have performed at a higher level but the books had to be balanced and James Riley and Matt Dempsey were released.

Deacey said of the pair: “Two superb players who have done a fantastic job for the club. I wouldn’t like to separate them but I would say James was the biggest wrench because he had been at the club a lot longer.

“It is just one of those things in football, we have to keep evolving. I promised to do all I could to help them find another club and I think Farsley have got two great players out of it.”