Wayne Benn is 50-50 to make a record-breaking 364th Avenue appearance tonight.

The Bradford skipper and aggressive midfielder could break Charlie Atkinson's peacetime total if he takes to the field at Horsfall Stadium against Ossett Town.

Although this UniBond Cup third round is not the most salubrious of occasions to break the record, it would still be a momentous occasion for the Avenue stalwart - if he can shake off an ankle injury picked up at the weekend.

Due to poor health, Charlie will be unable to attend the game for a presentation, but many fondly remember one of the club's most loyal players.

Charlie, who celebrated his 70th birthday yesterday, played 363 games for Avenue in the late 50s and early 60s, including playing in the side that achieved the club's last ever League promotion.

He spent eight good years at the club where he starred at wing half, although he was called in as emergency cover at most of the over outfield positions.

"He really loves the club," said his wife Amy, who saw more than 150 of those games for the club.

"Charlie was a very consistent player over the years and hardly ever missed a game.

"He played 99 in a row but then didn't have a good game and was dropped. But he came back soon enough and played a lot more times for the club."

Although all Charlie's games were played in the League, and Benn's have been played outside it, it is still quite an achievement by the skipper.

"To see an Avenue game and not see Charlie playing was a rare thing in those days," said chairman Frank Thornton, who has watched both players during his time as a fan of the club.

"He was a real stalwart and led a charmed life in terms of injuries.

"Charlie was a pleasure to watch and always put in a wholehearted performance and never gave up - in that way he was similar to Wayne."

Benn joined Avenue just after they entered the UniBond League, coming from Bradford City.

"He has been with us during an important revival for the club," added Thornton.

"Wayne has proved very loyal and is a very important part of the side who has taken the club forward.

"It is difficult to compare the achievements of the two, but they have done the fans of this great club proud in their own way."

Avenue will be keen to return to winning ways tonight after the difficult trip to Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Boss Trevor Storton will be without up to six players for the clash.

Long term injury problems are keeping out Martin James and Jason Maxwell, while Andy Quinn (ankle), Danny Walsh (toe) and Robbie Painter (groin) will also miss out.

Avenue goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel is expected to give way to new signing Jamie Holmshaw for tonight's game.