PARK AVENUE boss Darren Edmondson insists the club’s final three games of the season will not be dead rubbers.

The club lifted silverware when they retained the West Riding County Cup on Tuesday and on the same evening results elsewhere removed the sliver of doubt about their league status.

As Bradford were winning a ding-dong cup derby 3-2 at Valley Parade against Vanarama National North rivals Harrogate Town, a goalless draw between Telford United and Brackley Town rubber-stamped Avenue's safety mathematically.

Edmondson said: “It was nice to see the players and supporters enjoying the cup win but the confirmation that we were safe in the division was all but done anyway.

“It would have taken a remarkable turnaround for us to have been dragged into the relegation places. The clubs below us would have had to have gone on magnificent runs and we would have had to have a catastrophic meltdown.”

Avenue are 13th in the table and now have a trophy in the cabinet but the interim manager will not allow his players to relax. If any of them feel they are on the beach already they are unlikely to be returning after the close season.

The Horsfall side visit Hednesford Town today before hosting Nuneaton on Wednesday and Gainsborough Trinity in a week's time.

Edmondson said: “There are three games left and the aim is to win them all. There will be no need to motivate the players because they are playing for their futures. If they want to be at Bradford next season, or another club, they will have to show their hunger and desire.

“It is the same for players at every level and at every club. Footballers can’t afford to coast through.

"I think our players have done well over the past few weeks and winning the cup and securing the league status of the club shows that.

“I have been brought in here to win football matches and the three remaining are no different to the other ones that I’ve been in charge for. I want to win them. No one is judged on results more than the manager so the situation is the same for me as well.

“There have been no talks between me and the directors. We’ll get to the end of the season and sit down to discuss things then and that’s as it should be.”