BRADFORD (Park Avenue) slipped a place in the National League North play-off zone after losing 2-1 at home to promotion rivals AFC Telford last night.

Two goals in three second-half minutes for the visitors proved crucial despite Conor Branson pulling one back.

Brackley Town's 2-0 win at Hereford saw them leap above Avenue, who dropped to fifth spot - four points and one place above Telford who have a game in hand.

After a tight first half at Horsfall, the Bucks delivered a swift double strike on 57 and 60 minutes.

First James McQuilkin picked up the ball on the right edge of the penalty area from Daniel Udoh and curled a fine shot into the top corner past keeper Charlie Andrew's left hand.

Then Brendan Daniels almost added to the lead with a long-range shot before Telford went 2-0 up when Udoh stabbed in following a corner.

Avenue were back in the game on 75 minutes when Branson headed home from close range but were unable to bag an equaliser.

Earlier in the match, Oli Johnson came close to giving Avenue the lead after eight minutes when his shot from long range was tipped over by Andy Wycherley.

Good work from Udoh then set up Marcus Dinanga, who shot just wide of the post.

Jake Beesley threatened the Telford goal when he hurled himself at a long throw into the box but just failed to make contact.

Avenue youngster Lewis Knight had the first shot of the second half after a swift break.

But Telford took control with their two-goal salvo. Despite Branson's goal and seven minutes of added time, Bradford couldn't force a draw.

They will look to go again at home to Alfreton Town on Saturday.

Park Avenue: Andrew, Toulson (Crichlow-Noble 66), Lowe (Nowakowski 80), Hurst (Clee 66), Ross, Havern, Knight, Branson, Beesley, Johnson, Spencer.