SHAUN Gardner says Bradford (Park Avenue) will turn their fortunes around following two successive 5-0 defeats to start their new season.

Garry Thompson’s men crashed to a heavy home derby loss to leaders Guiseley in the Vanarama National League North, just three days after going down by the same score to Curzon Ashton in their curtain-raiser.

New signing Aaron Martin scored a hat-trick and there was one apiece for Arum Soleman and midfielder Jamie Spencer on his return to Horsfall following his summer move.

But, despite being disappointed after his side’s latest drubbing, Gardner says there are enough strong characters in their dressing room to stop their slide.

Avenue entertain Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday looking to kick-start their campaign. Assistant manager Gardner said: “It’s hard, the lads are down but it’s mine and Garry’s job to pick them back up.

“There was a reaction from Saturday, but it’s football.

“We have brought every player in apart from (Lewis) Knight and (Alex) Hurst. They are all the right characters, they are positive characters.

“We will turn it around. We are two games in, there are six left in August.

“People are talking about the youth, but they are very good players and strong characters. They are frustrated, just as much as us.

“We’re determined to turn it around, starting on Saturday.”

Guiseley took the lead after just seven minutes when Avenue failed to clear their lines from a corner and Martin pounced to score.

It was 2-0 midway through the half when Soleman curled a shot inside the far post, despite Charlie Andrew getting a hand to it.

Eight minutes later Martin’s downward header into the bottom corner made it 3-0 and the striker completed his hat-trick six minutes after the restart before Spencer rubbed salt in the wound with a late fifth into the top corner.

*Bradford (Park Avenue) announced late last night that Garry Thompson and Shaun Gardner have  been sacked after just two games in charge. Read more here