Bradford Park Avenue put back to back defeats in the Vanarama National League North behind them to earn a a 1-0 win against lowly Leamington, but it was far from comfortable.

Mark Bower’s men looked set for a good victory after Adam Boyes netted in the first minute, but they struggled after that.

The Brakes had two goals disallowed and Avenue keeper Steve Drench saved a late penalty.

Avenue’s makeshift team defended well and deserved their good fortune.

Some of the crowd were still making their way to their seats when the game’s only goal was scored.

Avenue’s first attack led to a cracking shot from midfielder Jamie Spencer that Leamington keeper, Tony Breeden could only palm onto a post.

Boyes was following up to lash the ball home.

It was end-to-end in the early stages and Avenue looked a little anxious as they employed five across the back.

Luca Havern, Shane Killock and Rob Atkinson, who had returned from injury, were flanked by Matt Hill and Mark Ross operating as wing backs.

Avenue’s second chance was a long time coming but once again it was Spencer who created it.

He raced through from midfield and although his pass forced Ross out wide the right back’s curling effort came back off the bar.

The Brakes launched a quick counter attack and Callum Gittings saw his shot come off the foot of Drench’s post.

The visitors had a goal disallowed when Junior English headed home from a corner. The referee spotted a foul.

Boyes hit the inside of Breeden’s post before the visitors were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute when Ross was adjudged to have held Jack Edwards.

Substitute Matt Dodd spotted the ball, but Drench guessed right and held on to the ball.

Leamington centre back Jamie Hood thought he had rescued a point in stoppage time but he was offside when he headed home.