BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower was left bemused after his side failed to convert their dominance into goals in their 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town Academy in the Yorkshire Rose Cup.

However his forward line has been boosted today by the signing of striker Jake Beesley from National League side Salford City.

Beesley, who is the son of former Leeds United defender Paul, joined City last summer and made 23 appearances for the club. While there, he spent time on loan at Boston United and has played in the Football League for Chesterfield.

Another former Leeds player has also joined the club this week. Chris Dawson, 23, played in midfield for the Elland Road side and has also featured for Rotherham United at Championship level.

Injuries have hampered his career progress so far, but a string of outstanding displays as an Avenue trialist in pre-season persuaded the club to take him on full-time.

Dawson made his debut as a permanent signing against Huddersfield and Bower struggled to comprehend his side's defeat, saying: "We had so much of the ball in their half so it's very frustrating that we haven't scored.

"We had the likes of Mark Ross, Nicky Clee, Oli Johnson and Shane Killock not available tonight though and they should be OK for the start of the season.

"We are a little bit short up front with losing Adam Boyes too but I'm still a bit disappointed with the performance, and we'll need to do better against a strong National League side in Barrow on Saturday."

Bower wants to use that clash as a barometer for their league season, saying: "I don't think there's much to choose between Barrow and a lot of the teams in our division.

"It will be a good test for us to find out exactly where we are. It will help us get ready for the league fixture against Brackley the week after."

Meanwhile, Thackley slipped to a 4-0 home defeat last night against a strong Ossett United side. They were 2-0 down at the break before two goals in a minute late in the second half wrapped up the contest.