BRADFORD (Park Avenue) moved nine points clear of the National League North relegation zone with a sensational 3-0 win at rivals York City last night.

The hosts created the majority of the chances, but Mark Bower's men were ruthless in front of goal, and Adam Nowakowski, Dylan Mottley-Henry and Nicky Clee were all on target for them, as they recorded their biggest and best victory of the season.

Avenue had won just once on the road all season, 2-1 against Darlington in September, and they were second-best early on here, with York's Matty Brown glancing a long throw just wide, Clayton Donaldson stinging the palms of George Sykes-Kenworthy, and Olly Dyson firing inches past the post from outside the box.

But it was visiting Bradford who took the lead after 26 minutes.

A long throw caused confusion in the crowded York box, and after an initial effort was saved by Pete Jameson, the rebound fell straight to Nowakowski, who had an easy finish to give his side the lead.

Four minutes later and it was 2-0. Avenue counter-attacked brilliantly, and Akeem Hinds threaded the ball through to ex-Bantams winger Mottley-Henry, who had acres of time and space to set himself and slot the ball beyond Jameson.

Sykes-Kenworthy tipped Paddy McLaughlin's free-kick over the bar soon after to ensure Avenue remained two goals in front at the break.

At the start of the second half, Mottley-Henry fluffed a decent chance wide from the right of the box, before Dyson's header at the other forced a decent save from Sykes-Kenworthy.

Moments later, the Avenue stopper came out to deny Mitch Hancox and former Bantam Donaldson's effort on the rebound was deflected wide.

Sykes-Kenworthy then got down to deny Dyson at his near post, before Mottley-Henry crashed a shot inches wide after Jameson punched an Avenue corner away.

The Avenue keeper, another former Bantams player, made a good save with 15 minutes to go, and got to the rebound before Donaldson.

That proved decisive, as Avenue made it three a few moments later, when Frankie Maguire played the ball across to the edge of the box and substitute Clee cracked the ball into the corner for his side's third.

That floored York once and for all, as a delighted Avenue were able to see out the remaining few minutes with ease.

After the game, beaming Avenue boss Mark Bower said: "I thought the players went about their jobs really well, as they were disciplined out of possession and posed a threat on the counter attack.

"I think we've been unfortunate in quite a few games recently, so to come here and have a good, comfortable win, which we could really enjoy in the last few minutes, was nice for everyone concerned."

He added: "I just hope it gives the lads a bit more belief in themselves.

"I think at times they probably don't trust each other enough, to play and get on the ball, to move it and express themselves.

"Hopefully a result like this can help on that front, as it shows we can go toe-to-toe with teams in this league.

"York are still a big club, with really top players, and a good recent home record, so for us to come and get this win, I'm absolutely delighted with everyone."