Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower is thrilled to have led his side to the top of the Vanarama National League North, and he says that it is nothing less than the dedicated fans and volunteers deserve.

Avenue head into this weekend's home clash with Ashton United as league leaders for the first time this season and Bower enthused: "It's nice to do it for everyone who has worked tirelessly here, long before I came in a few years ago.

"It means a lot to the volunteers and supporters and getting into this position allows us to keep creating headlines and get some attention and publicity.

"I know it's a cliché but for the management and players, we've still got to take each game as it comes.

"We know there are teams below us with a game or two in hand but we should still enjoy it while we're there."

Asked about the contributions of his younger players this season, Bower said: "Obviously Jake Beesley has signed on loan from Salford and scored goals and Jamie Spencer has continued to improve from last season.

"We knew these players had talent but now they're adding a level of consistency which is really encouraging.

"It's not just the younger players either. Conor Branson, for example, has come in and performed very well, despite being new to this level."

Bradford's opponents at Horsfall this weekend, Ashton, have conceded more goals than any other team in the division, but Bower warned: "They''re still a good team who like to get the ball down and play.

"They've had great results in their last two games too, with a draw against Boston United and a win over Guiseley.

"They were only promoted last season, so you could argue there's less pressure on them.

"We'll be looking to win and score goals, so our approach will be no different to usual and we'll have every chance of winning if we perform like we have over the past six weeks."

Bower expects full back Danny Lowe to return to the side this weekend, while he is hopeful that Chris Dawson will be back in action too.

He said the club will have to assess Oli Johnson closely to see whether he can make the game, the forward having limped off with a knee injury in last week's 1-1 draw at Curzon Ashton.

Meanwhile, Bradford will face Altrincham for the third time this season in next Saturday's FA Trophy Third Round Qualifying clash.

They lost both of those previous two games to the Greater Manchester outfit and Bower groaned: "We were unlucky to get drawn away against the other real form side in the division.

"This game gives us a chance to put things right though, and hopefully we can win and get an easier draw in the next round."