BRADFORD Park Avenue boss John Deacey will have more clout in the transfer market as he looks to steer clear of relegation following the club's takeover.

Deacey is on the verge of bringing two players to the club and has fought off competition from others to do so as he looks favourite to land them.

They will go straight into the squad as Avenue will need a bigger pool of players with 19 games left to secure their Conference League status.

"The new guy (new owner Gareth Roberts) has backed us and told us to go for the players that we need," said Deacey.

"He is setting the standard and has given us the go-ahead because he realises we had a small squad and, with so many games in the last couple of months of the season, the last thing we need is to be stretched.

"We have had discussions with the two players and agreements have been reached but until we get them signed on we're just keeping things quiet.

"We have paid a fee for one of them and I can't remember the last time we did that – but the board have told us to go for it."

As well as the 19 Conference North fixtures, Avenue also have a West Riding County Cup tie which has taken on greater significance.

Avenue face Tadcaster Albion in the semi-finals knowing favourites and last season's finalists Harrogate Town are out.

When Avenue travel to Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division leaders Tadcaster Albion on Tuesday, it will be for the right to take on Garforth Town in the showpiece final with the silverware at stake.

Avenue are three tiers higher than Tadcaster and their league rivals Garforth so will inherit the tag of new favourites.

Yet Deacey does not see it that way and said: "Tadcaster are flying at the moment and they are playing some good football, so it's going to be a big game and a tough old game.

"I was surprised that Garforth beat Harrogate and it was a good Harrogate side. They had most, if not all of their big players playing, so full credit to Garforth.

"I hope to get a good look at some of our new faces on Tuesday though, so I will use the game to get the lads who have just come in plenty of time on the pitch.

"Everyone is just so rusty because of all the postponements, so all of the players need game time, but my priority has to be to get the new lads integrated into the side."

Avenue have extended Luke Dean's loan deal from Harrogate. The midfielder had featured in only one game in his initial one-month stay but he will now remain until the end of the season.

However, Southport defender Johnny Lynch has returned to his parent club. The left back managed only two appearances during his loan.