THE injury curse that has dogged Bradford Park Avenue's season knows no bounds – and has now struck at the very top.

Avenue boss John Deacey has broken his leg in two places playing for Harrogate Vets. He could be seen making his way from the dressing rooms to the Horsfall dugout on crutches for Wednesday night's game against Chorley.

Deacey said: "You would think I'd know better at my age. I smashed it in Sunday's game and I'll be in the pot for six weeks, so I think that might be it for me. I think retirement's beckoning.

"I've done well to still be playing at 55 and still be enjoying it but it's a long way back from an injury like this, so I think my time has come."

Deacey has made more comebacks than his erstwhile goalkeeper John Lamb, so he could still have a change of heart. In fact, his next sentence appeared to suggest one is on the cards.

He said: "I really enjoy playing for Harrogate Town Veterans and we've got a good team, with lads like Dean Windass and Peter Beagrie, and I'm still captain.

"I love playing for England Vets as well and they are getting together again in June, so I might just try to get back in time for that."

Whatever Deacey's plans, he will be hoping his main striker Chib Chilaka has no thoughts of hanging up his boots as the former Bantams man has been enjoying arguably his best season with Avenue.

The boss may have had trouble getting around the running track at Horsfall Stadium in midweek to take his place in the dugout but Chilaka's brace in the 3-2 win over promotion-chasing Chorley certainly made it worth the effort.

Deacey said: "It was a good win but a special mention has to go to Chib, who was absolutely outstanding. He certainly deserved his two goals and his overall play was just what the team needed.

"He has been brilliant all season and has led the line on his own for the last month and a half, when we have been getting our best results all season.

"He has caused every single team problems. The form he has been in, he's impossible to play against."