BRADFORD (Park Avenue) striker Tom Clare is disappointed that he will be unable to feature in his side's FA Trophy second round tie with Halesowen Town this Saturday.

Clare had a superb home debut in Avenue's 2-0 win against Altrincham, bagging his first goal in only his second appearance for the club, but will be cup-tied in the competition after playing for Boston earlier on in the season.

The forward joined Horsfall after his contract had been terminated by mutual consent at the Lincolnshire club last month.

Previously, the 20-year-old has had spells at Barnsley and Avenue's neighbours Bradford City, whom he joined during the 2018 summer but failed to make an appearance for the senior squad and was loaned to Boston in March this year before signing permanently for the current campaign.

However, his stay at United, having scored five goals in 15 games, was a short one.

Despite not being able to play this weekend, Clare is keen to continue his scoring run once league action returns in ten days when Avenue travel to Spennymoor Town.

He said: "It is frustrating but there is nothing I can do about it. I just have to wait and work hard until the next game.

"Last week (at Chester) I came on for a bit and it was just nice to get playing again.

"I need to keep scoring goals because that is what I am here to do, it was just a tap-in but they all count.

"Everyone battled to the end (against Altrincham) and worked hard. If you do that nine times out of 10 you win the game."

Even though Mark Bower's men gained that crucial victory over 15th-placed Altrincham, they currently sit rock bottom in the league, six points away from safety.

However, Clare is confident that his side can reverse their fortunes in what has been a poor season so far and survive relegation.

The striker also enjoyed linking up with trio Oli Johnson, Alex Hirst and the returning Nicky Clee.

He added: "It is good because they put good balls in. I know their strengths and they play to mine.

"Playing like that, we have got a good chance. It is about repeating performances like that every week and making sure we get the three points at the end.

"With this team we can go on and push to get away from the drop zone."