MARTIN Drury’s Bradford Park Avenue were denied the chance to build on their home victories over Nicky Law’s Alfreton Town and National League promotion-chasing Lincoln City when their roses battle with FC United of Manchester was called off.

The National League North win against Alfreton continued Avenue's excellent recent form but they will be tested tomorrow as they head to high-flying FA Trophy holders North Ferriby United, weather permitting.

It was yet another holiday fixture frustration for Avenue when FC United, and their vast army of supporters, were prevented from making the journey because of a waterlogged pitch at the Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue have missed out on big crowds, with either Boxing Day or New Year’s Day games against the likes of FC United and Stockport County being shelved over the past few seasons.

Drury’s men are in top form and would have been favourites to continue their unbeaten run on Saturday after knocking the Imps out of the Trophy last Monday night.

Following that 2-1 win, the Bradford boss said: “I’m really proud of my players.

“Lincoln are a good side who are doing well in their league, they’re a big, physical, direct team and obviously where they are it is very effective.

"We noticed that they mixed things up a little so we also made little tactical changes.

“We stuck to our philosophy and worked incredibly hard to get the result.

"It was an ugly game if I’m honest, not a great game of football at all, but we got the win, and in the end in cup ties that’s all that matters.”

Wingers Jason St Juste and Craig King were both magnificent on the night, and Drury reserved special praise for the pair, especially King, who netted the winner after scoring the only goal in the Alfreton game.

Keeper Jon Stewart, who has been skippering the side in the absence of injured club captain Simon Ainge, blotted his copybook by picking up a straight red card for kicking out at Lincoln striker Matt Rhead.

Stewart will have to serve a three-match ban for that petulant act but he will be available for today’s trip to Ferriby and Saturday’s return game with FC United of Manchester.

Ferriby slipped from second to third after suffering a 2-0 defeat at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday but they are still just three points off the summit.

Avenue’s last defeat in any competition was at Stockport County in late October.