BIG defender Shane Killock has netted three goals already for Bradford (Park Avenue) this season, and manager Mark Bower is delighted with his side's current set-piece prowess.

Killock volleyed home Avenue's opener in Saturday's defeat against Altrincham, and Bower has been pleased with the defence's attacking contribution so far.

He enthused: "With Adam Boyes leaving, we lost a big chunk of goals, so we knew we had to score from different areas.

"We've been strong from set-pieces this season, with Shane Killock scoring three and (his centre-back partner) Conor Branson also netting on Saturday.

"When you're on top in games like we have been, you get more free-kicks and corners and the delivery has been excellent over the last few weeks.

"I'm pleased for Shane because he's our captain and he's led by example on that front."

Avenue visit Darlington in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tomorrow, and Bower laughed when asked about his fondest memories of the competition.

He joked: "I've always had a nightmare in the FA Cup but I just say I'm saving myself up for one big cup run.

"There was one year (2000/01) at York City when we beat Reading in the second round and landed an away tie at Leicester City but that's about it.

"The prize money has doubled this year though which is an incentive and hopefully we can have a bit of luck and get a big first round draw."

Bower spent one season as a Darlington player in League Two but the club has changed a lot since his departure eight years ago.

He said: "They've been through a tough time after administration but they're still a big club at our level.

"Their manager Tommy Wright has turned them round and they're a really hard team to beat, although we have done better against strong sides this year.

"It's not the draw I would have chosen though. I've come up against Darlington three times as a manager and lost on every occasion."