MARK Bower hopes for third time lucky when his Bradford (Park Avenue) comeback kids face a tricky FA Trophy test tomorrow.

His side travel to Altrincham in the competition's third qualifying round, buoyed by a superb late comeback in their previous league clash last weekend.

Avenue turned around a two-goal deficit inside 10 minutes as they overcame 19th-placed Ashton United 3-2. They were 2-0 down in the 83rd minute, but a brace from skipper Shane Killock and Lewis Knight saw them stay top of Vanarama National League North.

Avenue will be looking for a cup tonic, after having already lost twice to seventh-placed Altrincham - 3-2 in the league in September and 4-2 in the FA Cup a month later.

Avenue will be strengthened by the return of striker Oli Johnson and attacking midfielder Chris Dawson for their side's Trophy encounter.

Bower said: "It's going to be really hard.

"Altrincham and ourselves are the two form teams in the division this season. They have beaten us twice this season already and the games have produced 11 goals.

"I really admire the way that they play football. They have a real identity in how they play.

"It's the toughest game we could have got. I am expecting a really tough game. We will have to play to the best of our ability to beat them.

"Playing in the Trophy is a little change-up, a different mentality. There is no settling for a point. Both teams will want to win the game.

"It would be brilliant if we got to Wembley, but all we are looking at is Saturday. Wembley and the final seem like a million miles away. It is a nice incentive and we have seen teams like Brackley do it, so it is achievable.

"Whichever side out of us and Altrincham goes through will be capable.

"We will be the strongest we have been for a few weeks tomorrow. Having players back gives me food for thought too."

Bower was buoyed by the late Ashton victory, despite not playing well.

He said: "It was not the greatest performance, but we can't play well every week.

"I'm really happy with how the lad stuck at it. The game had a memorable end, even if the first 80 minutes of it were very forgettable.

"Over the last two weeks we have come away with four points. We have things to improve on, but I am pleased with that return."