BRADFORD (Park Avenue) boss Mark Bower knows his side will have their work cut out at home to Brackley Town in the National League North tomorrow afternoon.

Avenue edged out Marine on Wednesday night on penalties in the FA Trophy second round after a thrilling 3-3 draw, whereas their second-placed opponents this weekend have not played since last Saturday.

Brackley have also conceded just eight goals in 14 league games this season, and Bower said: "They're very well-organised and they have a lot of players who have a good relationship, having been together for a long time.

"That allows Brackley to have a process in place, which enables them to get results.

"But they don't just sit back, they go out and actively try to win games, which is why they are where they are.

"We know it will be tough this weekend."

Avenue are currently fifth-bottom and will go into the clash as huge underdogs, but Bower insisted: "You don't look at where teams are in the table when you're preparing for games.

"You just have to analyse their strengths and weaknesses and work out how you can win the game, whether that's with all out attack or sitting back and breaking.

"We've had quite a few injury and illness issues over the last week or two as well, so that's likely to determine who starts this weekend as much as anything else, who's actually fit and available."

A depleted Avenue dug deep on Wednesday night though to beat Marine, with Bower saying: "We only really had 11 fit senior players.

"(Bradford City loanee) Reece Staunton came through the game fine after his minor ankle injury, but Nicky Clee has been really ill, and the only reason he was on the bench was because we needed a couple of senior faces on there, we were never going to use him unless we had to.

"He should hopefully be okay for Brackley, but it's likely to be too soon for Adam Nowakowski, and Mitch Lund probably won't be back until nearer Christmas time."

There were a few heroes for Avenue on Wednesday night, with Oli Johnson scoring twice in normal time and Johnny Saltmer saving two Marine penalties in the shootout.

Bradford won 3-0 on spot-kicks, and Bower said: "There is an element of luck when it comes down to penalties, but obviously there are things you can do to help.

"Marine have been in a few shootouts recently, so we did our homework, and that paid off, both for Johnny in goal and the lads taking them, who tucked theirs away very well.

"Johnny would have known going into it that one of the keepers was probably going to be the hero by saving one or two, so for him to stop their first couple was nice for him.

"It was a bit of a shame for him that their last penalty went over the bar, as he was in a good position to save that one too.

"I think as a keeper, you'd want your save to win it, but obviously it was Isaac (Marriott) that held his nerve to score the decisive penalty for us.

"It was a real team effort, and we can now look forward to that next FA Trophy game, a big one at home to Halifax Town."

Bower also said he hopes to bring at least one new face in time for the Brackley game tomorrow.