BRADFORD (Park Avenue) extended their unbeaten run to five games with a fine 2-0 victory at Ashton United.

The win banked back-to-back three point maximums in National North as Mark Bower's men followed up their midweek home triumph with a victory on the road.

Ashton were third from bottom, just inside the relegation zone, and looking for the win that would have taken them level on points with Guiseley. The Lions didn’t have the chance to stay ahead as their game at Spennymoor Town was postponed.

Park Avenue did their neighbours a favour as the result meant the Robins dropped a place to second from bottom, leaving Guiseley three points clear of the relegation places but with a game in hand on the bottom three.

The first half at Hurst Cross was tricky for both clubs with tough weather conditions, and the home side had arguably the better chances.

Ashton’s Matt Regan clattered the crossbar with a header from Ryan Jennings’ cross midway through the half.

Other chances saw Kallum Mantack fire wide when well placed and a Connor Dimaio effort saved by Avenue keeper Charlie Andrew.

Bradford’s best chances fell to on-loan York City forward Macaulay Langstaff – his first tame effort went wide before a shot clipped a defender and looped up but was expertly tipped over by Robins’ keeper George McMahon.

Avenue were better after the break and it was McMahon who was the busier keeper, making excellent saves to deny Jake Beesley and Nicky Clee.

The Robins’ last line of defence was finally breached when Conor Branson headed the visitors in front in the 68th minute.

Ashton’s keeper made another fine save to prevent Langstaff from doubling Avenue’s lead and the home side should have levelled in the penultimate minute.

A shot from Dimaio was parried by Andrew, and Robins’ substitute Jamie Reed somehow managed to spoon the rebound over the bar when it was easier to score.

Avenue put the gloss on their win with a second as Spencer fired past McMahon in the first of three added minutes and the win kept Bower’s side in fifth place.

The Park Avenue boss said: “It was really difficult with the conditions. The rain made the surface soft so it was difficult for the players to keep their feet and the wind was howling, so all aspects of the game were affected.

“It was just one of those days when you had to concentrate on the ugly side of the game and grind a result out which is exactly what we did. We got the game won and another three points was pleasing given the difficulties.

“I’ve heard a lot of Premier League managers complaining about the wind in recent weeks – they should play on some of the pitches we have to play on.

"It’s one thing playing on a good pitch in the wind and rain but it’s totally different when the surface is deteriorating to these extents.

“That’s why we had to focus on the ugly side of the game against a side needing every point. They (Ashton) beat Chorley a few weeks ago which shows the quality they have and it’s difficult at this stage of the season when every team has got something to play for.

“We stuck to the task well and began to dominate even before we got the goal. We had to work for it and be patient but I always felt that our quality would tell and we would create the chances to win it.

“All of those factors coming together made it really pleasing to come away with the three points. We also came away with no injuries so we’ll have options again when we go to Spennymoor on Tuesday evening.”