THE distance between Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley is no more than a hop, skip and a jump but the gap between the local rivals in the Vanarama Conference North table is wide as they go into Saturday's derby at Nethermoor.

The Lions are third from top while Avenue are third from bottom in a division from which three clubs go down.

However, the derby element will be a leveller and, conversely, Avenue go into the game on the back of a win while the Lions are licking their wounds following a defeat at promotion rivals Tamworth.

Avenue had a new skipper and a loan signing making his debut when they won 1-0 at FA Cup giant-killers, Worcester City last Sunday.

The maximum haul gave Bradford boss John Deacey renewed hope of escaping the dreaded drop but they were frustrated when their home game against second-from-bottom Gloucester City was postponed on Wednesday due to a waterlogged pitch Deacey said: “It’s a pity that we couldn’t keep the momentum going before a tough game like this one but there is time for us to pull ourselves up the table a little.

“If we were to win our games in hand, we would be above Harrogate Town and Gainsborough Trinity and a couple of other clubs.

“Picking points up will put us back into that mix.

“I brought Simon Ainge in from Halifax and made him captain, and he was absolutely outstanding at Worcester, Dan Gray has joined us from Alfreton Town and he had a good game as well.

“Luke Dean also got a little run out from the bench in the second half and he’s a very good player.

“But Chib Chilaka got our goal – he was our match-winner and I’m delighted for him because he has hit form.

“Chib has been first class all season and the effort he has been putting in has been rewarded. He’s been one of our most consistent players.

“Another player who has been brilliant for us is Chris Howarth, who I call ‘Mr Reliable’ as he never lets you down.

“It’s going to be tough against Guiseley because Mark (Bower’s) a very good manager and he has an excellent squad but if we play to the best of our ability, I believe we can beat any club in the division on our day.”