Gainsborough Trinity 1 Bradford Park Avenue 0

AVENUE lacked a cutting edge as they slumped to defeat at Gainsborough, while losing Martin Drury to a serious-looking injury.

The left back, who missed almost all of last season, fell awkwardly midway through the goalless first half. He was treated on the pitch but had to be stretchered off.

The visitors had started well and carved out an early chance when Nathan Hotte, Joe Colbeck and Chib Chilaka were all involved before Paul Walker’s shot was deflected over.

Bradford had just one better chance in the entire game. Deep into the second half Richard Marshall chipped the ball into Chilaka but the big striker’s downward header bounced up and over the target.

Minutes later Trinity broke the deadlock when Ciaran Toner was allowed space and time and he fired a right-foot shot into the corner.

That was 18 minutes from time and the home side almost got a second soon after. Their former Guiseley striker Darryn Stamp chested the ball down to Liam Davis, who laid it off for Conor Higginson but his shot was just wide.

Bradford boss Deacey was not pleased at the performance, saying: “We were lethargic, lacked effort and didn’t play the way we know we can. That’s not what you expect from Bradford. It was not good enough and we will address it.”

The defeat dropped Avenue down to eighth place as Trinity leapfrogged them on goal difference.

It was an opportunity lost as a win would have seen Deacey’s men go joint top of the Vanarama North.