NEW boss Darren Edmondson has enjoyed a fantastic start to his Bradford Park Avenue tenure but that beginning now faces its sternest test as he leads his side to Vanarama National North leaders Solihull Moors tomorrow.

The Moors are 12 points clear but have played two games more than second- and third-placed clubs North Ferriby United and AFC Fylde, who are both on 66 points.

Marcus Bignot's side are definitely at the business end of their season as they have just five games left in their bid to claim the title and the automatic promotion place that goes with it.

For Edmondson's men it is a different scenario as they have nine matches remaining and the appetite that a new manager and fresh faces brings.

Five players have been drafted in while one, Michael Potts, has been sent out on loan to join three others who will not return this season.

Potts joined Jamie Walshaw at Shaw Lane Aquaforce, while Paul Marshall (at Ashton United) and Alex Pursehouse (at Sheffield FC) make up the quartet of loanees who will not be recalled.

Following Avenue's impressive 3-1 win over play-off hopefuls Harrogate Town on Monday, Edmondson was full of prise for one of the newcomers.

Liam Dickinson made his Bradford debut after joining on loan from Guiseley and Edmondson said: "I thought all the players did well and showed just how much they wanted it from the first whistle – but Liam has had a great start.

"He only came in before the weekend, and was on the bench for the Saturday game at AFC Fylde, but we started him against Harrogate and he did what was needed.

"I think the board had identified a few problem areas and they have brought people in. I'm not privy to what Terry (Dolan) and the rest of the board do – I just work with the players.

"From what Terry has said, the club have been missing someone up front like Liam, who can hold the ball up and bring others into play.

"He did that excellently on Monday against a very good side and I think he will be a very good acquisition for us for the rest of this season."

Solihull did Avenue a good turn by taking four points over the Easter weekend against relegation-threatened clubs. The Moors drew 2-2 at Worcester City last Saturday before beating Corby Town 4-1 on Monday.

Both of the clubs are below Avenue – who, after victories over Chorley and Harrogate in their last two games, are now seven points above the drop zone.