Soccer: Skipper Wayne Benn said he was "absolutely delighted" after finally claiming an appearance record for Bradford Park Avenue last time the team played.

The 26-year-old club captain was poised to reach the peacetime landmark of 364 games for the club on Boxing Day but the home game with Harrogate Town was abandoned after keeper Lutz Pfannenstiel suffered his dreadful injury.

But it was only another two days before Benn beat the long-standing total of Charlie Atkinson, who starred in the 50s and 60s for Avenue before they lost their Football League status.

Benn claimed the record in the 2-2 draw at Stalybridge Celtic the following Saturday.

"I'm very pleased to have played so many games for Avenue - it is a good achievement," said the player who has been with the club for seven years, since his release from neighbours Bradford City. "It means a lot to me personally and I think in this day and age when players move about a lot it says a lot about me and the club. Loyalty is a two-way street and I'm happy to have spent so much time here and glad the club have given me the opportunity."

Benn has played all his career in Bradford. He was attached to City from the age of 14 and went on to serve two years as an apprentice and two as a professional.

"I have had a lot of luck and no serious injuries in my time in the game. That has helped but you also have to keep up the commitment and hard work that it takes to stay in the side. The odd time that I have been down I have tried to get things in perspective and remind myself that I'm getting paid for doing something that I love.

"A lot of people say I could have, and should have, played at a higher level but this is a very good standard. With the financial side of the game as it is there are a lot of good footballers in the UniBond Premier now.

"Players are having trouble finding clubs when they get released and are coming in at this level earlier than before."