Better weather brings renewed optimism for non-league clubs (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Better weather brings renewed optimism for non-league clubs

5:00pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Headlines

Many of the area’s non-league clubs are hoping to get some meaningful action this weekend, starting with Farsley hosting Leeds United tomorrow night, while Bradford Park Avenue have a scheduled home game against Football League opposition on Saturday.

The high-profile friendly fixtures should get the go-ahead thanks to the drier weather being forecast.

Most of the clubs have already faced disruption and frustration after their pre-season campaigns were blighted by early washouts.

Farsley should have started last Tuesday night at Thackley but that game was called off following another day of heavy rain.

That means Neil Parsley’s men will go into tonight’s game against their Championship neighbours with no game-time under their belts. However, Neil Warnock’s squad will also be as rusty.

Avenue’s visitors are Doncaster Rovers, which could mean a return to Bradford for midfielder David Syers, striker Robbie Blake and manager Dean Saunders, all former Bantams.

Avenue opened their warm-up games with a 1-1 draw at Thackley last Saturday, when Bradford boss John Deacey fielded a different outfield ten in each half.

Other games see Thackley hosting Yorkshire Amateur, while Liversedge are also at home, against Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Brighouse Town are making the long trip north to play FA Vase holders Dunston UTS, and Silsden are also on the road as they head to Pontefract Collieries.