AVENUE manager Mark Bower was extremely frustrated again with his side's performance going forward as they lost out 2-1 to AFC Telford United at the Horsfall Stadium.

Adam Nowakowski and Isaac Marriott wasted two opportunities early on before Dom McHale bagged long ranged efforts either side of the break.

The hosts were granted a reprieve when Andy Bond was sent off minutes after their second.

Despite, a Lewis Knight goal in the 68th minute, Bradford were unable to muster much more in a lacklustre final 20 minutes.

Although, it was those moments in the first half which played most on Bower's mind post-match.

He said: "The first goal is massive and we have not taken our early chances. Up until they scored the goal, we had the better chances.

"We are two against one in the six yard box and have to score. Within two minutes they score from 20 yards, not a patch on our chance.

"These are chances that I could score, anyone should be putting them away. We have got to be capitalising on these openings, if we do then it is a very different outcome."

The red card provided hope that an unlikely comeback could be on the cards.

However, the lack of creativity meant Telford were comfortable in protecting their lead until the final whistle.

"When they get a man sent off it changes the complicity of the game. We had a lot more ball.

"We were just loose in possession and lacked quality, even simply five to 10 yard passes which we should be making. The passing was slowing us down and making it easier for them.

"We could have done with an OJ (Oli Johnson) or another player in there because when teams are sat off, they can produce that extra quality in a tight area.

"Today, we looked nervous and lacked confidence. We got the goal and didn’t really look like getting another one."