BRADFORD (Park Avenue) return to the field this weekend as they search for their first league win in three.

It has been a difficult period for Avenue, their most recent defeat coming at home to high-flyers Brackley Town on Saturday, but not all is doom and gloom for the Bradford side.

Amidst their faltering league run, Avenue confirmed their spot in the third round of the FA Trophy following a victory against Marine in round two, and they will go onto host Halifax in a mouth-watering local-derby.

Not only that, their performances have been bright and Mark Bower's side could have quite easily claimed points on a different day.

But Avenue's boss admitted that-that's the way it is when you're near the bottom.

He said: "We've performed well in the last few games, the performances have been there, but at the end of the day it's a results based game.

"We're not managing to turn enough of those performances into the points we've probably deserved, so it's just important that we keep doing what we can, and hopefully then the luck will come

"It's been about fine margins recently and we are looking for things to go our way, whether it's the drop of a ball or perhaps getting a decision our way.

"As soon as we get in front in a game, then we are confident we can pick up points. Hopefully we can do exactly that this weekend because points are valuable for any side going into the busy Christmas schedule."

Avenue do find themselves positioned one spot above the bottom three ahead of this weekend's (Saturday) tie away at Leamington.

The Bradford side know the significance of turning those performances into results, and they will be viewing this weekend's fixture as an opportunity to take the points.

Leamington are without a win in four having lost their last two fixtures, their most recent defeat coming on Saturday away at Chester FC (2-1).

But nonetheless, Bower is expecting a tough fixture.

He said: "Leamington will be a really tough game, especially because we are going to their place. They've got a good home record and it always brings a tough fixture going there.

"Obviously, it's the last league game before Christmas too, so it would be nice to get three points before we enter the busy schedule. It would hopefully set us up nicely for the other fixtures.

"They (Leamington) are a very solid outfit and they all know their roles throughout the team. They've also got a way of playing, which has been instilled into the side for a few years now, so you can always expect a strong tactical battle.

"Their blend between youth and experience is also something that I admire, and it seems to be something they have focused on as years have gone by, bringing those youngsters through.

"I have a lot of respect for Paul Holleran (Leamington's manager). He's done an amazing job at that club for such a long time. He's had limited resources to try and establish the club at this level, so I do have full respect for him."

Avenue announced the signing of goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy prior to kick-off last Saturday.

Previously at Bradford City and Derby County, Sykes-Kenworthy will give Avenue an extra option in goal alongside Jonny Saltmer.

He did make his debut in the sticks against Brackley Town, and he will be pursuing his first victory this weekend.