AVENUE'S talismanic striker Chib Chilaka feels the side have been unfortunate in most of their opening eight games.

But the striker stressed that has just made the players even more determined to turn the results around.

Chilaka said: "People have been saying that we could easily have had four wins now, not just one, and that's very true.

"In the Alfreton game at the start of the season, we played really well and were cruising at 2-0 but they got a point with an injury-time penalty.

"We had 70 or 80 per cent possession at Nuneaton and lost 1-0 – but this is the harsh reality of football.

"You can play all the football you want but if you don't take your chances and make errors at the back, it is going to come back to bite you.

"I think we've learned from every game we've played and they are harsh lessons because the margins are so fine.

"You can think you're playing well and are controlling a game but all of a sudden the tide can turn.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge for us this season but it's one we're all looking forward to."

Last season's leading scorer is back in the groove with four goals so far. He netted a hat-trick in the 4-4 draw with North Ferriby United but insisted the scrappy goal he got against AFC Telford last Saturday meant far more because it was a match-winner.

Chilaka admits that it will be difficult to repeat that and gain another three points against leaders Solihull Moors today – but he is sure there will be a lot more wins, with the whole squad behind manager Martin Drury and his number two Jamie Price.

The hitman said: "That win was overdue but the attitude has never changed in the dressing room. All of the players and the management, Dru and Pricey, knew it was coming and nobody's head dropped.

"There is enough football to play and enough points to play for. In that dressing room, we don't feel as though we are out of it.

"That first win is validation of that. We have kept strong, remained upbeat and are fully determined. We're adamant that Bradford Park Avenue will make their mark on this league this season.

"Everyone has talked about sticking together. We've done that and, with the manager's support, we will go on to climb the table."