BRADFORD (Park Avenue) captain Keith Lowe thinks progression in the FA Trophy would only continue to breed a positive mentality which could help his side with their league struggles.

Avenue drew 2-2 with Halesowen Town in the first round of the competition meaning they will travel to the Southern League Division One Central side tonight.

While in the Vanarama National League North, Bradford sit six points adrift at the bottom, although they did win their last league fixture, overcoming 18th-placed Altrincham 2-0.

Lowe, who scored in the 83rd minute to rescue a replay against Town, is pleased that his team gained another opportunity to advance into the next round which would only build confidence when they return to league action.

He said: “It (the Halesowen draw) is another game unbeaten which we are looking for at the minute, it is tough when you are at the bottom of the league so positive results really help.

“It’s another game where we just want to go down there and produce the same work ethic and commitment to hopefully come out on top."

Speaking on his equaliser, Lowe added: “I am always confident we will score a goal, we never lose hope, we kept playing and then we got the goal.

“The cross came in, Billy (Priestley) gave me a shout from behind but luckily I ignored him and scored myself.

“It is an important one that keeps us in the cup and hopefully we can progress tonight.”

Lowe admits the blustery conditions did affect the level of quality on show in the tie at Horsfall. However, the towering centre half hopes his side - who will have a number of players cup-tied again - can show in their visit down to the midlands that they have the ability to play entertaining football.

The 34-year-old added: “It wasn’t pretty, the pitch didn’t allow it to be but it was tough for both teams. We had to play to the conditions and we go again.

“The lads did well, it’s not the nicest game to come into if you’re a young lad but then again, what can you do? The same lads are going to be cup tied.

“Hopefully the pitch will be a bit better and we can play a bit more football.”