BRADFORD (Park Avenue) boss Mark Bower has warned his side to prepare for a much tougher test in the second part of their double header with Guiseley today.

The National League North leaders romped to a 5-1 success at Nethermoor on Boxing Day but Bower expects the Lions to be desperate to make amends when they visit Horsfall.

And he is keen his players guard against complacency as they look to start the new year as they finished the old one.

Avenue are unbeaten in 11 league games thanks to a stoppage time equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Boston last Saturday.

Bower said: "It was a perfect storm for Guiseley on Boxing Day. They are good side but any team can have an off-day - a lot of their players had off-days and a lot of ours were on top of their game and when that happens you can get the score that we got.

"We're under no illusions they are a much tougher side than they showed on the day and we are expecting a much tougher game.

"I know when you are on the end of a heavy defeat like that, you are itching to get back and play that team again to put things right.

"I’m sure they are grateful for the opportunity to come and settle a score. That’s what they’ll be looking to do and we’ve got to make sure that, after beating them comfortably, we don’t just think it will happen again.

"We’ve got to make sure we prepare in the right way and start well like we did on Boxing Day.

"Certainly I think it will be a much tighter game this time round."

Barring long-term injury victim Danny East, Bower has a full squad to chose from, his players having so far come through the busy festive period unscathed.

Luca Havern's suspension for his red card at Guiseley doesn't kick in until after today's game, with Bower grateful for the injury-free run his side have enjoyed.

He said: "We've been fortunate from that point of view and I think that is part of our success so far that we have been able to name relatively settled sides and been able to bring in quality when we’ve needed to rest players as well."

Nicky Clee and Ryan Toulson were given a breather at Boston but come back into contention today.

Avenue start 2019 one point clear of Chorley at the top of National North after Ben McKenna's late leveller at Boston.

Bower was pleased with the resilience on show which kept their momentum intact.

He said: "A few things went against us in the game – a couple of refereeing decisions, a deflected goal and we missed a few chances ourselves.

"When a lot of things go against you like that in difficult conditions you are pleased to get something from the game at a really tough place.

"Even when we were 2-1 down and under a bit of pressure, I always had the feeling we had, not just the ability, but the desire to get back in the game and I always had that confidence we would.

"When you get the late goal like that, it keeps the momentum going. We spoke about not giving it away because it can be hard to come by.

"That late goal ensured a good feeling in the camp on the way home."