Another defeat at the weekend dropped Bradford Park Avenue into the relegation zone in Vanarama National League North and they face another tough game tonight at Boston United.

The Pilgrims know a lot about their opponents after former Avenue manager Martin Drury joined their coaching staff last season.

They also have three former players in their ranks as striker Lamin Colley and attacking midfielders Callum Chippendale and Jason St Juste have all arrived at the Jakeman’s Stadium since their stints at the Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue go into their ninth game of the new campaign still looking for their first victory, but Boston have also made a poor start.

The Pilgrims were tipped to be one of the promotion contenders before a ball was kicked but they are currently just three places above second-from- bottom Avenue.

Both Avenue and their hosts will be at a low ebb after suffering defeats at the weekend, Bradford losing 2-0 at Brackley Town while the Pilgrims were beaten 3-2 at home by FC United of Manchester.

Avenue discovered their second qualifying round FA Cup opponents a week on Saturday after yesterday’s draw.

It couldn’t have been a more difficult tie, however, as they will host red-rose rivals and current National North leaders Salford City.

The Mancunian outfit, partly owned by Manchester United’s Class of 92 legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers,  knocked Avenue out of the cup last season.

Salford had home advantage last year but the initial meeting ended all-square, with Richard Marshall netting a penalty in a 1-1 stalemate.

The replay was all-square after 90 minutes but The Ammies won it thanks to a Richie Allen strike in extra-time.

Other ties involving local sides see Farsley Celtic travelling to Evo-Stik Division One North counterparts Tadcaster Albion.

The sides have already met there in the league, playing out a goalless draw, while FC Halifax Town make the journey to Hallmark Security League outfit Ashton Athletic.

Thackley are also in action tonight and they will be hoping to bounce back when they host Parkgate after losing at home at the weekend.

The Dennyboys lost their derby against Albion Sports 1-0, a result that meant Kulwinder Sandhu’s Lions leapfrogged the Dennyboys into sixth spot.

Thackley slipped to eighth after the defeat while tonight’s visitors are second from bottom and are yet to bank a point after six games.