BRADFORD (Park Avenue) could be back at the top of the tree on Christmas Day if they beat Hereford at home tomorrow, but Mark Bower feels his side's reaction to losing pole position speaks volumes.

Avenue dropped to second on goal difference in the Vanarama National League North after Chorley beat Darlington 3-2 last weekend.

Bower said: "Everyone was disappointed to lose top spot and it's important to get the right result against Hereford to give us a chance of going back to the top.

"But the fact that we're even considering this scenario as disappointing at this stage of the season is fantastic.

"It's not about what others do, as long as we keep putting in good performances, and we want to maintain our high standards over Christmas."

It is a busier festive period than Bower is used to, with games on three consecutive Saturdays sandwiching clashes with West Yorkshire rivals Guiseley on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

The Bradford manager was therefore grateful to have last weekend off, saying: "There was certainly no harm in it.

"We would have liked to still be fighting for the FA Trophy but it meant we used the time off to rest and recharge our batteries.

"It also allowed us to do some training, which was important as I doubt we'll get any in between our next four matches."

That jam-packed schedule kicks off with tomorrow's home game with Hereford, and Bower admitted to being surprised at the club's lowly 20th position.

He said: "I'm surprised because they had a good start and looked strong when we played them in August.

"There's been a lot going on there this season with a new manager coming in, a high turnover of players and a change to their style of play, which might all be contributing factors.

"It's similar to when we played Southport in our last game though, because they're in really good form with three wins in a row.

"For me, form is the true barometer rather than league position, so it will be a real test for us."

Avenue will be hoping fans take advantage of their half-season tickets offer, which is valid for all home games until the end of the season, starting with the Hereford clash.

It is £80 for adults and £66 for concessions, while prices for students and under-16s are just £18 and £12 respectively.

Bower said: "Even if the younger ones only use theirs for three or four games, it's still great value for money.

"Attendances are already up this year, and there's a great atmosphere in the stadium, then at the bar after matches. Hopefully we can get even more people coming to experience that."