GARRY Thompson rolled back the years to score in Bradford (Park Avenue's) defeat to EFL opposition in his first home game in charge.

The former Bradford City winger, now 38, gave his side an early lead but they ultimately succumbed to a 4-2 loss to Mansfield Town at the Horsfall Stadium.

Despite the defeat to the League Two side, Thompson will be pleased with how his new-look Avenue side played.

It was Thompson himself who gave his side a 12th-minute lead after Lewis Knight went on a dazzling run, cut the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box for his player-manager to slot home.

Stags defender Noah Stokes dislocated his knee following a 36th-minute collision with Knight. Play resumed seven minutes later.

The start of the second half saw a host of changes for Mansfield as manager John Dempster changed his entire starting line-up.

The universal changes worked for the visitors four minutes into the second period as Mitchell Lund scored an own goal.

Mansfield soon showed the gulf between the two sides as substitute Danny Rose scored from a tap-in.

Mansfield enhanced their lead in the 61st minute when unmarked former Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard headed home.

Following some changes for Avenue they nearly managed to find a way back into the match after assistant manager Shaun Gardner managed to get away a shot from inside Mansfield area, unfortunately this ended up wide of the mark.

Avenue pulled a goal back in the 75th minute through Elliot Holmes, but it would only prove to be a consolation strike.

Mansfield further extended their lead seven minutes from time when Maynard completed his brace.

Less than a minute later, the former West Ham United striker was through again baring down on Andrew’s goal however this time it was Andrew who came out on top as he managed to deny Maynard while also conceding a corner in the process.

Avenue's busy pre-season continues today when they travel to Brighouse Town (3pm kick-off) for their latest friendly, before they host League One Rotherham United next Wednesday at the Horsfall Stadium (7.30pm).