BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower is pleased with the way his high-flying side have been performing over the past month, but he knows just how tough their next test will be.

Avenue host Vanarama National League North leaders Chorley tomorrow and Bower hopes his team can use their current confidence to topple their opponents.

He said: “We had our slip ups against FC United of Manchester and Chester at the start of September but, barring the FA Cup defeat at Altrincham, we’ve been better since then.

“If you’re playing well, the results tend to take care of themselves and you'll get more wins than defeats, although Chorley will be tough.

“They’re very strong throughout the team and they’ve only conceded four goals. You can’t keep that kind of record with a couple of good centre backs alone, you need the full team.

“They also get goals from all areas so they’re not top by accident. They may not have a stand out player like Kidderminster do with Ed Williams, but they’re good at defending and going forward.”

Bower believes that if his team do their jobs correctly, they still have a good chance to win, and if last week’s result is anything to go by, Chorley will certainly be wary of their hosts.

Avenue thumped Nuneaton Borough 6-0 on their travels, with Bower admitting that the sending off of Nuneaton's keeper at 3-0 completely finished off a game that already appeared to be an uneven contest.

The highlight of the game was an extraordinary goal from midfielder Nicky Wroe, who lofted the ball into the net from around 70 yards out.

Taking up the story, Bower laughed: “I’ve seen a few from that distance in my time, but to be fair to Nicky, he was 10 yards inside our half, on a terrible pitch, with the ball running away from him and the keeper only just off his line.

“I didn’t expect the goal to go viral but it has and now it’s been seen around the world.”

Avenue will hope that moment of Internet fame inspires more fans to pass through the turnstiles tomorrow, although Bower thinks that the third against first clash will sell itself.

He enthused: “It’s an attractive proposition because you know the quality of football will be good.

“It’s been enjoyable to come and watch us this season and hopefully people will come along and see what we’re all about.

“I would never wish any ill on Bradford City and I actually think it’s become affordable to watch both teams now.

“But with them struggling and having a long away trip to Gillingham tomorrow, a weekend like this is perfect for their fans, and others, to come and watch us play.”