Bradford Park Avenue 1, Solihull Moors 1

THE relief of Solihull Moors' players and staff was visible as a late goal ensured the visitors' did not lose their first game of the season against ten-man Avenue at Horsfall Stadium.

The Vanarama National League North leaders had dropped just two points in their opening eight games but appeared to be on the way to a first defeat of the campaign before that 84th-minute goal.

Substitute Jack Byrne's low shot through a crowded area sneaked into the bottom corner past the outstretched hand of keeper Jon Stewart.

The reaction from the Solihull bench may have been as much about thinking they had eight minutes to find a winner as escaping a defeat – but Avenue's outstanding, determined, dogged display thwarted any hopes of that.

Avenue boss Martin Drury said: "I'm very proud of each and every one of my players after that – the courage and discipline they showed was exceptional.

"I think it says a lot about where we are that the leaders are delighted to get a draw against us when we've played the best part of 85 minutes with ten men. That's credit to our players and their resilience.

"We defended well and one of those at the heart of that was Tom Burgin, who had a rollercoaster of a day.

"He missed out on the match-day squad but when Danny Hall picked up an injury in training, Billy Priestley started and Tom came in as a sub.

"He had to come on minutes into the game and he hasn't sulked, complained or made a fuss in any way. His attitude has been amazing and he was outstanding."

Priestley was hastily added to the starting line-up and quickly dismissed by referee Kevin Mulraine following a tenth-minute challenge.

The defender was deemed to be 'last man' as he and Stefan Moore collided and was shown a red card.

The hosts were already a goal to the good at the time thanks to Chib Chilaka's predatory fifth-minute strike. The man of the moment claimed his fifth goal of the season with an emphatic finish from just inside the area.

Drury sent Burgin on and sacrificed Danny Schofield from midfield, Richard Marshall dropping back from the No 10 position and leaving Chilaka isolated up front.

It was still difficult to remember that the home side were a man down as they competed so well and the point they banked was the least that they deserved.