Bradford Park Avenue bid to put barren month behind them (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Park Avenue bid to put barren month behind them

6:46pm Thursday 12th January 2012 in Farsley By Ian Whiting

Bradford Park Avenue are aiming for their first Evo-Stik League Premier Division win in over a month at home to struggling Buxton on Saturday.

Avenue’s tilt for promotion has waned over recent weeks but they remain well-placed in sixth, just outside the play-off zone.

They were boosted by a 4-0 midweek League Cup win at home to Loughborough Dynamo and Saturday’s clash against third-bottom Buxton is an ideal chance to reignite the campaign.

John Deacey’s men last won a league game on December 10 when they enjoyed a 2-1 victory at Frickley Athletic.

Since then they have drawn two, lost two and had a home game postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

It has been a frustrating time but Monday’s cup win over Evo-Stik Division One South side Dynamo will have been a handy tonic.

There were goals for Michael Duckworth (2), skipper Rob O’Brien and assistant manager Mark Hume.

Press officer Lewis Sale said: “Hume came on as a second-half substitute and he enjoyed his goal. He had a big cheeky grin on his face and it was still there when the players came off the pitch.

“It was a good performance and the players looked up for it.

“All you can do is beat the opposition in front of you. I’m sure John would have sooner it had been a league game but there are three points on offer on Saturday.

“I think Duckworth at left back was our best player in that game. His first and Rob’s goals were well taken.

“Dynamo played well but Avenue were prepared to keep knocking on the door and it certainly paid off.”

In Division One North, third-placed Farsley will be looking to maintain the pressure on the top two with victory at home to mid-table Radcliffe Borough.

Farsley are just four points off the summit and only one off second spot but have played three more games than leading pair Curzon Ashton and AFC Fylde.

The Throstle Nest side, who have won four of their last five league games, report no new injuries.