BRADFORD Park Avenue's battle in the Vanarama National North shows no signs of easing up as they tackle second-place Salford City at Horsfall Stadium.

Mark Bower's side earned a point in midweek from a 1-1 draw at leaders Harrogate Town and next weekend they will be at home to third-placed Blyth Spartans.

Avenue will be buoyed by Tuesday's result but it also gave Salford a boost as the Ammies are now just two points behind Harrogate.

Bower's men have dropped to 14th spot after taking just two points from their last four league fixtures.

Bower said: "Salford went full time this season and for me they look to be the team best equipped to win the league.

"They've got the complete package really as they can give you a game if you go in to mix it up with them and also have the quality and ability to outplay any side that just wants to play neat football against them. They can even dip into the transfer market if needs be when their squad is stretched.

"They have set their targets and they are looking to reach the Football League so fair play to them."

Bower may have a few players missing after Tuesday’s draw at the CNG Stadium as three players came off injured.

Ryan Toulson, Javan Vidal and Jamie Spencer were substituted and Toulson left the pitch on a stretcher.

The Avenue boss added: "Ryan has got a suspected broken foot, he went for an X-ray but it was inconclusive so he's got to have another when the swelling has gone down but we think it's a fracture.

"Jav took a knock to his hip so he couldn't move properly but after a few days rest we're hoping he has a chance. Jamie should be alright, Wayne Brooksby has been struggling for the last couple of weeks and Drenchy (keeper Steve Drench) has hurt his back so that's a wait and see.

"But the lads are keen and it should be a good test for us against a side that I think will be top of the pile at the end of the season. They have a good management team and they deserve a lot of credit because we've seen other clubs with big budgets that haven't reached their own expectations.

"It's one thing having the funds but you have to use it wisely and they are doing that so far. We've had good results against some of the top sides so this will be another pointer as to where we really are."

The kick off for the game has been moved forward to 1:30pm after one of the floodlight pylons collapsed from the ground into Harold Park during the worst of Storm Brian.