Bradford Park Avenue go into tomorrow's home game against Gateshead determined to start the post-Gary Brook era with a fighting display.

Acting manager Brian Crowther said: "We know we have a battle on our hands with teams below us and around us winning, but we will fight to the bitter end."

Avenue sacked Brook on Sunday after the 3-2 home defeat to Witton Albion. Now Crowther and reserve team boss Steve Newton have been put in charge of team affairs until a new manager is appointed.

There are 12 league games remaining and Avenue are four points off the drop zone.

Gateshead are just one point ahead of Avenue but have a game in hand.

Crowther said: "There will be some changes from last Saturday but we can only work with what we have. But there is quality in this side and when we played Gateshead at their place, we played them off the park for 80 minutes."

Avenue lost the game because midfielder Damien Dunne was given his marching orders just before half-time.

This time the plan is simple - to hold firm at the back. "It would be nice to have a clean sheet," said Crowther. "We can't keep giving sides two or three-goal starts and expect to win. And when we do go in front, we must learn to shut up shop.

"If we can get a clean sheet - we can move on from there."

Avenue will have to take to the field without on-loan teenage sensation Jimmy Beadle, who has returned to Conference side Scarborough.

Skipper Dean Jones is struggling with a back problem but Tom Agus, who limped off last week, is expected to be fit.

Crowther added: "The fans deserve to see an end to this awful run. They are so important to the club. I hope they will get behind the lads tomorrow. Every player will be fighting for the cause."

Avenue travel to Prescot Cables on Monday - a midweek trip they could do without with players always having work commitment problems.

Bradford Park Avenue (from): Thompson, Smith, Newton, Walsh, Jarvis, Jones, Calcutt, Greaves, Traore, Flynn, Oleksewycz, McLaughlin, O'Brien, Haworth, Agus.