Bradford (Park Avenue) welcomed Banbury United to the Horsfall Stadium on Saturday, and claimed a vital 1-0 victory in what was a must-win game.
It leaves Mark Bower’s side five points off safety in National League North with three games to go, but with two wins and two draws from their last four games, Avenue now have some momentum behind them as they look to pull off an extraordinary escape.
Avenue started the first half positively on Saturday, and finally created the first clear chance of a cagey game in the 42nd minute.
Myles La Bastide collected the ball on the left flank and set up Will Longbottom, who sent his effort narrowly wide.
The hosts continued this momentum into the second half, and netted the only goal of the game on the hour mark.
Harrison Hopper headed the ball home following a fantastic delivery from La Bastide, giving Bower’s men a much-deserved lead.
Avenue continued to apply pressure on Banbury’s defence, and experienced midfielder Simon Richman came agonisingly close to doubling the home side’s lead.
His attempt looked destined to beat visiting keeper Jack Harding, but he was denied by a superb acrobatic save, which pushed the ball around the post.
It mattered little in the end, as Avenue came away with a vital three points.
Avenue’s media team spoke to Bower after the game, who said: “It was an interesting game.
“Banbury started the better of the two teams and moved the ball around well, but we eventually got to grips with that and got on top for the rest of the first half.
“At half-time we talked about exposing their gaps and that’s how we scored.
“Myles put in a great ball and it was a fantastic header from little Harrison at the back stick.
“The lads then dug in and did what they had to do to close the game out.
“I said to them before the game to keep it interesting (the fight for survival) and with no teams around us winning today, we’re doing that.”
Avenue travel to Hereford on Saturday, knowing they realistically need another win to keep them in with a chance of staying up.
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