Bradford Park Avenue lost their unbeaten UniBond League home record after a woeful defensive display against second-placed Frickley Athletic at Horsfall Stadium last night.

The earlier torrential rain did little harm to the playing surface and Avenue could not blame the weather for a series of unforced errors that ruined their night.

The visitors kicked off with four former Avenue players in their ranks - including the recently-departed Nicky Heinemann. But it was centre forward Andy Evans who was the star of the show with a hat-trick.

In Avenue's goal was Frickley keeper Mark Wilkinson.

After an uncertain start by both sides, Alex Nesovic had the ball in the Frickley net in the 12th minute but it was ruled offside - and two minutes later the visitors took the lead.

Poor defending let in Alex Callery, who fired smartly past the helpless Wilkinson.

Avenue were not short of enthusiasm, having won five of their last six Premier Division games, and the lively Brook Newton went close to equalising when a daisy-cutter from him was tipped round the post by Gary Ingham.

Then a flick-on by Nesovic to Tom Greaves led to another opening but Newton saw his shot blocked.

Frickley's second of the night in the 35th minute is one Avenue will want to forget. A long, swirling cross from the right was not dealt with by Wilkinson and up popped Evans at the far post to nod in.

Evans was now on a high and a terrific drive from him was tipped for a corner by a relieved Wilkinson.

The second half did not bring Avenue any better luck and they were guilty of giving the ball away far too often. Even Ryan Gray's short-passing game was

suffering and the home side's midfield was unable to take control.

Nesovic got behind the Frickley defence but couldn't feed the well-placed Greaves and then a fine weaving run by Dean Calcutt opened up the visitors' defence but his cross was too long for Newton.

Another mistake put an end to any hopes Avenue had of a comeback. The quick-

silver Frickley forwards pounced and Evans was in for his second.

But Avenue don't give up without a fight and a great flowing move brought them a goal when Calcutt centred from the right and Newton hooked the ball back for Nesovic to apply the finishing touch.

A 3-1 scoreline would have been fair enough but Frickley weren't finished and Evans completed his hat-trick after more sloppy defending.

Avenue can't have any complaints about the defeat and manager Gary Brook will be hoping his side have got this poor

display out of their system and can bounce back at Burscough on Saturday.

It is still early in the season and a victory would put them right back in the play-off mix.