WHILE Bradford Park Avenue might not have managed to hook full back Graham Kelly, who has played on loan for them, they have bolstered their ranks by signing former Halifax Town and Guiseley winger Adam Smith.

“He is not match fit yet due to injuries, but Adam will provide cover for us on the right for Wayne Brooksby, who is recovering from a hamstring injury,” said Avenue manager Mark Bower.

Injury-hit Smith, who is 32, has been a nomadic figure, and Avenue are his 11th club (13 if you count loan spells), but Bower obviously feels that he is worth a punt, adding: “Nicky Clee and Oli Johnson have also had their spells of injury but have turned out to be two of our best players.”

As for Kelly, who played ten games for Avenue on loan from Port Vale, Bower said: “We have been pleased with him but he has opted to go to Southport.”

Avenue had two players yellow carded in the same passage of play last weekend in their battling 0-0 draw at Nuneaton Town.

Bower said: “Shane Killock pulled a man back and the referee waved play on, and then Danny Boshell ran across one of their lads and they went down in a tangle of legs and he gave him a second yellow card.

“It was one of those games where we seemed to be getting pulled up and they weren’t, but we cannot appeal Danny’s second yellow card and will just have to take it on the chin.

“At least his two-game suspension will be out of the way by Monday night as we are at leaders Salford City tomorrow and at home to Gainsborough Trinity on Monday.”

Salford City are five points ahead in Vanarama National League North, and Bower said: “They are champions elect in my eyes.

“Every team has a sticky patch, but they bounce back from theirs by winning four or five games on the trot and have the ability to grind out results on heavier pitches.

“They have a good mix of quality, physical strength and know-how but if we produce what we are capable of, we can get a positive result.”