BRADFORD (Park Avenue) weathered a first-half storm from visitors Farsley Celtic last night to record a 1-0 derby victory, which all but secures their National League North status for another season.

And it was a superb winner for Avenue early in the second half, with Lewis Knight grabbing his first goal since returning from Notts County in January with a glorious chipped effort.

Jimmy Spencer fired an early effort off the crossbar for Farsley, before he headed just wide from a Luke Parkin free-kick.

Jerome Greaves then flashed an effort past the post for the Celts before Avenue had their first real chance, with Oli Johnson turning Knight's cross wide at the near post.

Home goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy went on to make two excellent saves from Spencer and Parkin, as Farsley were left wondering how they were still level.

Avenue boss Mark Bower made a double substitution at the break, with Ryan Toulson and Dylan Mottley-Henry coming on for Mitch Lund and Oli Johnson, who were both struggling with injury.

And just four minutes into the second half, the hosts went in front, with Knight getting past the defence before lofting the ball over Kyle Trennery in the Farsley goal for a glorious opener.

It was a much quieter affair in the second half, with Avenue getting in some good attacking positions but struggling to create any decent opportunities.

Farsley had a couple of half-chances late on, with Kennedy Digie heading a corner over and Parkin clearing the crossbar with an injury-time free kick, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

The win moves Avenue 12 points clear of the sole relegation spot, which Farsley currently occupy.

But the Celts, who won 2-1 against Kidderminster Harriers at the weekend, are just two points behind second-bottom Guiseley.