Avenue travel to Leek Town tomorrow for their first-ever visit to Harrison Park.

The game is arguably the club's most important in recent years as the battle to avoid relegation from the Northern Premier League hots up.

The defeat to high-flying Marine at Horsfall Stadium on Wednesday night was hardly a hammer blow. But if they lose to Leek, who have the same number of points near the foot of the UniBond table, then alarm bells will really be ringing.

Not so long ago Leek were rooted to the foot of the table but an amazing recovery has seen them win four and draw one of the last five games. During that run they have beaten Marine, Burscough (twice) and Wakefield & Emley.

New manager Phil Sharpe knows the immense task ahead of him. During his first league game in charge on Wednesday he saw his side struggle to make any impact against a slick Marine outfit. Once again Avenue were guilty of leaking goals but the side were undone by excellent moves and clinical finishing.

After Leek tomorrow comes another

'six-pointer' at lowly Ashton United on Monday. Then there is the luxury of three home games on the run against Runcorn, Gateshead and North Ferriby.

The problem there is that Avenue have lost their last five league games at Horsfall Stadium.

Before the game on Wednesday, skipper Dean Jones and crowd favourite Steve Oleksewycz were placed on the transfer list. A representative from Harrogate Town was believed to be in the crowd watching Jones.

Avenue chairman Dr John Dean said: "Steve Oleksewycz hasn't been the same player since his injury and he is the highest paid player at the club. He is costing a lot of money for no return.

"And Dean Jones has not had the best of seasons. I know the manager is looking to bring in a centre half. He is worried about a number of positions. It is essential we get something out of the next two games."

Bradford Park Avenue (from): Lamb, Smith, Newton, Walsh, Jarvis, Jones, Benn, Calcutt, Greaves, Flynn, Oleksewycz, Haworth, Benn, Ross.