BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower will not be in the dugout for the next couple of games as he has been plunged into isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.

The former Bradford City defender received his results this morning and will now definitely miss Avenue's league clash with Leamington at Horsfall this weekend and the midweek trip to Chester in the FA Trophy.

Should Bradford progress in the cup competition, he will be able to return for the third round tie at Altrincham the following Saturday.

Bower has not been in contact with anyone from the club since their last fixture, a trip to AFC Fylde on December 1.

After such a busy schedule, he gave the squad a week off and was not present at training on Tuesday.

Assistant Danny Boshell and player-coach Ryan Toulson will take the reins in his absence, running sessions and communicating with Bower, who will pick the team and watch at home via live streams, on matchdays.