BRADFORD (Park Avenue) suffered another narrow 1-0 defeat on a frustrating afternoon at Darlington.

It was another blow to Avenue’s aims of a play-off finish in the Vanarama National League North and it puts even more pressure on Monday’s home Yorkshire derby against York City.

The tension will be almost tangible because Bradford need a win after their defeat at Darlington by the most slender of margins.

Avenue created plenty of chances, finishing the second half and beginning the second in all out attacking mode, but their failure to convert cost them dearly when the Quakers’ Stephen Thompson netted the game’s only goal 10 minutes from time.

Avenue boss Mark Bower knows that the result has ramped up the pressure another notch or two.

He said: “We’re making it hard for ourselves,” following one win in their last six games.

“We were on top throughout the game.

"We created clear, clear cut chances and early in the season we were tucking them away. That has been the difference and we need to get back to taking our chances.

“The last three games in particular have been frustrating and the opposition goalkeeper has been named man of the match in each game.

"We’ve got to get back to being more ruthless because we are creating the openings.

“We have only got the penalty (from the 1-0 win against bottom club Nuneaton Borough in the last home game) to show from the last three and that’s just not good enough.

“I don’t think it’s down to luck either. I know that we’ve had a stuff cleared off the line, goalkeepers having their best games ever and hitting the woodwork. But the chances we’re creating are glaring ones that are begging to be put away.

“Going in front in games also gives you a big advantage and we’re not doing it.

"It is a massive game against York now.

"It’s a big club coming, there will be a decent crowd and we’ve got to get the lads ready to work really hard and keep us in this top seven.”

Nicky Clee may be a doubt as he was forced off early in the second half of today’s game with a groin injury.