BRADFORD (Park Avenue) were left cursing a slow start on Saturday afternoon, as they slid to a potentially-costly 1-0 defeat at Peterborough Sports.

Mark Bower's side were desperate for the three away points that could have taken them out of the National League North drop zone, against a side that had not won any of their last five games.

But they left Peterborough empty handed, and now sit three points from safety.

The only goal of the game came after just 49 seconds, as some sloppy defending allowed the home side's Jordan Nicholson to gleefully poke the ball home.

George Sykes-Kenworthy in the Avenue goal saved well from Michael Gash's half-volley almost immediately afterwards, but then the visitors started to grow into the game.

They failed to make the most of a free-kick in a dangerous position, before Brad Dockerty skied a good chance over the bar.

There was little else for either team to shout about before the break, before Sports' Josh McCammon blasted an effort over the bar from inside the box after 53 minutes.

Jordan Nicholson was then denied by some brilliant defending from the visitors, before Avenue saw two golden opportunities go begging when Isaiah Bazeley and Connor Kennedy produced last-ditch blocks to deny them.

Young Josh Hinds looked certain to head home and equalise with seven minutes to go, but goalkeeper Pete Crook was there to keep him out.

Peterborough held on despite late pressure, putting themselves seven points clear of the drop, a position Avenue only wish they found themselves in.