BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower is thrilled that young winger Lewis Knight has signed a new contract with the club.

Knight has become a regular starter for Bower's side, who, after earning seven points from three tough league games last week against Chorley, Darlington and York City, now sit joint-top of the Vanarama National League North.

The 20-year-old has been integral to that success, with his manager delighted by the youngster's progression and attitude since he signed in the summer.

Bower enthused: "He wasn't the fittest in pre-season but, and I know it's a cliché, he's always first on the training ground and the last one off.

"He's worked hard on all aspects of his game, including fitness, and it's bearing fruit. He's willing to learn too.

"He sees what we're teaching him and puts it into practice, which is producing results. He's got pace and quality, which means we have a good player on our hands."

Knight will hope to star again when Bradford visit Curzon Ashton tomorrow.

Their opponents currently sit in mid-table but Bower, who hopes to welcome Chris Dawson and Danny Lowe back from injury this weekend, knows the Greater Manchester side can produce results against strong sides.

He warned: "They're a good team. They're a small club with a small fanbase which means they often get underestimated.

"They've had some impressive results in the past fortnight, such as holding Spennymoor Town to a draw.

"People might think we'll have it easy after our three results last week but Curzon play good football so that won't be the case.

"Besides, anyone can beat anyone. Look at Southport. They were bottom last weekend, then they went and hammered Kidderminster Harriers 4-1, who were second.

"If you drop your standards in this league, you will be punished."

Having already expressed his delight at beating York 4-1 last Saturday, the manager was keen to focus on the Bradford fans' support at Bootham Crescent.

He enthused: "Having 200 fans at an away game is outstanding. I remember turning up for Avenue games a few years ago and we didn't even have 200 fans at home.

"York are a big team too, so it was a great win for the whole club."

Bradford suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Brighouse Town in the West Riding County Cup on Monday, but Bower admitted: "Brighouse are a strong team who are doing well in their league.

"It was a tough game for our younger players, although I think the 5-1 scoreline was a little unfair.

"Ultimately, it was more useful for them to experience game time than training, but that competition was pretty low down on our list of priorities."