BRADFORD Park Avenue will be hoping the derby atmosphere brings out the best in them tomorrow when Harrogate Town come calling for a Vanarama National League North clash.

A repeat of the scoreline from last season’s corresponding fixture would suit Avenue down to the ground.

It was Darren Edmondson’s first official game in charge, and his first appearance in the dug bout at Horsfall Stadium ended in a 3-1 victory.

A maximum is something Avenue have not yet enjoyed four games into this term, and they were beaten last time out.

However, it is not all gloom and doom as Tuesday’s defeat at Chorley was Avenue’s first loss of the campaign.

Avenue boss Alex Meechan said: “It was a disappointing night at Chorley but this big derby would be a great one to bounce back in.

“There wasn’t much in the first half on Tuesday but the second half was the first time this season we’ve been out- battled. We will be fresh and ready to go again and we’ll be looking for the win that the home fans deserve.

“The away following the other night was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. They deserved a lot more for their efforts but they were let down – we want to put that right for our supporters.”

There have been a lot of changes since Bradford beat Simon Weaver’s Town at Horsfall last term.

Edmondson has moved on, replaced by Meechan, who was his assistant back in March, and Chib Chilaka, who opened the scoring for Avenue that day and ended the season as top scorer, is now back at Harrogate for a second spell.

Town have had a good start and are joint top with FC Halifax Town, with two wins, two draws and an identical goal difference.

Meechan said: “I’m not surprised they are up there already because they are a very good side.

"They were in the play-offs last season and they’ve changed a few things around in the close season and look like they’re ready for another push.

“I’m sure that they will be in the reckoning, and it could even be their season, but what they do doesn’t affect us and we’ll be looking for a win, and we go into every game with the same focus.

“Injury-wise, I think Ryan Jones will have trouble shaking off his ankle injury. He went over badly in the warm-up at Chorley and it swelled up a lot very quickly, so he’s very doubtful.

“Shane Killock (calf) is 50-50. He was injured in the warm-up on Saturday, so it’s been a bit unfortunate for us. It would be nice if we could get Shane back in time. It would give us a boost.”