Avenue boss praises coolness of side after Alfreton Town win

After grinding out a goalless first half, Bradford stepped it up a gear in the second period with Jake Hibbs and Nicky Clee netting to secure the three points.

With four attackers out, Park Avenue had to adapt their game and take chances when they came.

It was this that delighted Bower who praised the resilience shown to keep going and gain a second victory in three games.

He said: "The composure we lacked against Chorley we had today, and it turns one point into three.

"The one chance they did have, they were a bit fortunate to get but it happens and you need your lads to produce.

"Dan Atkinson made an outstanding save and Hibbsy an outstanding block. That was the attitude the lads showed all game to put there bodies on the line.

"Second half, I was exceptionally pleased with the composure showed to take a touch in the box.

"We had to play a certain way. We are doing what we have to do to win games."

It is now three shutouts in a row for the hosts, and Bower believes there are a number of factors to why they are much-improved defensively.

He said: "The main cornerstone is clean sheets. It comes from the quality of player we have got back there.

"The partnership we have got back there with Luca (Havern), Lundy (Mitch Lund) and the goalkeeper. From playing centre half myself that triangle is a big thing. Those three have started the season really well.

"We have got energy in the midfield with Isaac (Marriott) and Hibbsy to go from minute one to 90. We are not having to defend a barrage of balls coming into our box because we are getting close to people.

Debutant Omar Sanyang almost netted in the build up to Hibbs' opener after getting thrown straight into the deep end.

"Fair play to him. I think he thought he would only come in to train and get up to match speed at first, but it is testament to him that he lasted all game.

"He doesn’t really know too much about the lads but did a good job."