BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower thinks it is his side’s actions in the key moments of recent matches which is denying them points.

Avenue suffered their seventh defeat in eight as they went 14 points adrift at the foot of the National League North table after a 2-1 loss against Brackley Town at Horsfall.

Bradford went a goal down through a Lee Ndlovu poked effort on the stroke of half-time before James Armson doubled the visitors lead in the second half, meaning Tom Clare’s injury-time finish was only a consolation.

Bower thinks it is the combination of his side’s inability to convert their chances and bringing in the quality needed which is halting their survival bid.

He said: “For the first half-hour I think we were on top, we had the wind behind us and we penned them in.

“We had a few scrambles that didn’t quite fall for us and there was not a lot to choose from in terms of possession.

“They haven’t played us off the park, it is just key moments that they have turned the screw and we were unable too.

“Brackley have scored two scruffy goals, ours was the best with a great cross and finish.

“We have not got the resources to bring in those players that will make a difference in both penalty areas.

“We will keep going, we are not getting played off the park by teams.

“We certainly don’t look like a team 14 points adrift.

“It is pointless looking at other team’s results when we are not picking up points ourselves.

“Last time we faced Brackley we lost 8-0 but we have given them a better run for their money today.”

Bower blames the referee and individual errors for the two goals conceded as Brackley moved up to third after Chester drew 0-0 at Leamington.

He said: “Their goal comes from a corner which should have never been, it was a blatant foul on Alex Hurst.

“While we should have defended it better, we keep having to defend set pieces which we shouldn’t have to.

“It was a clear and obvious foul on him, we come in at 0-0 and everyone is positive but it completely changed it.

“It could have gone anywhere. Joe (Green) has held his arms up to apologise saying he should have caught it.”