GIVEN their recent away form, Bradford Park Avenue should have no qualms about going to high-flying Salford City for a tough Boxing Day derby.

Mark Bower's men may still be in the Vanarama National League North relegation places but they are tantalisingly close to climbing out of the drop zone.

They have won five of their last seven games and three of those victories have come away from home in the Manchester area.

Avenue beat Salford's neighbours FC United and also won at Stockport County and Altrincham. Far from feelings of trepidation, they will be relishing another road trip over the border for today's Roses clash.

Yet after falling behind in the opening minutes of their last two league games, Bower may have to change his team talk and he admitted: "I might as well say nothing to them before sending them out.

"At home against Brackley Town last week, we spoke about keeping it tight and closing them down in the first quarter of the game.

"Give them nothing and frustrate them, we said – and then we go a goal down after 60-odd seconds. The first corner of the game and their lad is left alone at the far post.

"It was supposed to be a similar plan at the start against Kidderminster in the game before and we conceded in the fourth minute.

"But I thought the lads responded well in the second half against Kidderminster and then to go on and dominate the first half last week. It was a great win against Brackley and it showed the spirit that is in the squad at the moment."

There was a debut for Jack Dyche, the 19-year-old striker on loan from Sky Bet League One leaders Scunthorpe United for the rest of the season. He replaced Chris Sharp for the last ten minutes plus the six of added time.

Dyche was on the pitch when Avenue grabbed their dramatic winning goal. It was a cameo appearance but Bower feels it was a promising one.

The Avenue boss said: "Young Jack came on at a difficult time with the game balanced but he fitted straight in and showed glimpses of his qualities. I thought he brought a lot of energy to the side and he made some good contributions.

"He made good runs and found good positions but he also tracked back and helped the side to defend from the front, so I think he did very well and showed just what he will add to the squad."

Avenue face back-to-back games against seventh-placed Salford, who are on the march since the Manchester United 'Class of 92' became part-owners. The Ammies came into the National League set-up this season following successive promotions through the Evo-Stik League.

The clubs have already met this term and it was Salford who came out on top, winning an FA Cup second qualifying-round tie 1-0 courtesy of a James Poole strike.