Deacey's delight at Bradford non-league scene (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Deacey's delight at Bradford non-league scene

3:10pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Headlines By Ian Whiting

Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey is delighted at his own club’s form going into the business end of the season, and he is also pleased for the other local clubs.

Avenue wrestled the initiative back last Saturday when a win for them, coupled with other results, put their fate back in their own hands regarding a play- off finish.

Then, just two days later, they progressed to the semi-finals of the West Riding County Cup.

Deacey said: “All the local clubs seem to be doing well when you look at the play-off places in the various leagues.

"My old club Farsley are right in there, Guiseley are doing really well in the same division as Halifax Town, and we are pushing for a play-off place.

“That is great for local football, and I hope at least two of those four clubs go up. I hope one will be us but even if we miss out it would be nice to see two of the others getting promoted.

"There are so many good clubs in the area at the moment - even in the lower leagues where they don’t have play-offs, some of the clubs are in the mix.

“I think that shows how strong this area is when it comes to football. Even the fact that we are all chasing players from the same catchment area isn’t having any effect. That just proves there is enough good local talent around.”

Avenue are sixth in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division, just outside the play-off places but they have more than enough games in hand from which to gain the points that will lift them above some of their rivals.

They are into the quarter-finals of the Doodson Sports Cup, which is the sponsors’ title for the League Cup, and will be facing Harrogate Town in the semi-finals of the West Riding County Cup.

Holders Guiseley play Farsley in the other semi-final.

The Avenue manager added: “I’m not a big one for cups because progress through the leagues is always my number one priority.

"I know the value of a run in the FA Cup or FA Trophy for the club’s coffers and I have seen sides maintain confidence with runs in other competitions.

“With having no reserve side and seeing some league games postponed over the last two months, I think staying in the cups has really helped us.

"It has done us a favour and the results have been good in those competitions and when the league games have come around.”