MARK Bower wants Bradford Park Avenue to silence the critics who have written off their chances for next season.

Bower was delighted with his side's performance as they shocked neighbours City at the weekend.

And he believes they will have the quality to similarly upset the odds in National League North.

With the likes of money-bags Salford and York in the division, Avenue have already been dismissed as outsiders.

Yet having kept them up last term, Bower is eyeing the top half – and maybe a crack at the play-offs.

"This is my fourth pre-season and I've never had so many players signed and ready to be signed at this stage," he said.

"I think we're in a strong position – even if nobody else thinks so.

"A few other managers in the league reel off team after team who are going to be up there and we're never mentioned.

"The bookies have got us down as the outsiders as well, so no-one really fancies us. That's a bit of motivation.

"We've got a small squad so the big thing is keeping them fit. If I do that, then I think we've got a good chance of getting in the top half.

"The play-offs go down to seventh, so there is a chance of sneaking in there.

"Some of the money thrown about is Football League level and good players are being attracted to it.

"It makes it really tough for a team like us – but we're looking forward to the challenge."

First-half goals from Nicky Clee, Nicky Wroe and Adam Boyes earned Avenue the honours for the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy.

Avenue were even happier with the 2,020 gate to swell the coffers and Bower said: "Hopefully the fans were impressed with a few of our players.

"We'd like to think that maybe when City are playing down at Portsmouth, or wherever it might be, one or two might pop along and support us when we're at home.

"We've got some decent quality and it showed in spells in the game. I'm just worried about peaking too soon four weeks before the start of the season."