BRADFORD (Park Avenue) are starting to find their feet in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

After picking up just one point from their opening three games, they backed up a 2-0 win over Morpeth last Monday with an impressive 4-1 home victory over Ilkeston Town at the weekend.

Avenue now sit 10th in the table ahead of their clash at struggling local rivals Guiseley this afternoon.

After Bradford midfielder Jamie Spencer had an early strike cleared off the line and a Will Longbottom free-kick was headed off target, the hosts made their pressure tell after 18 minutes.

Mason O’Malley slipped a low effort through a crowd of bodies, and it found its way into the net via the post.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Mason O'Malley (second right) is congratulated after scoring his first competitive goal for Avenue.Mason O'Malley (second right) is congratulated after scoring his first competitive goal for Avenue. (Image: John Rhodes.)

But Ilkeston responded well, and after a shot flashed just wide of George Sykes-Kenworthy’s goal, he was then beaten by a fierce Jamie Walker strike into the roof of the net, as the visitors levelled just before the half-hour mark.

Longbottom headed narrowly over soon after but he quickly made amends, nodding in an excellent cross from Harrison Hopper to restore Avenue’s lead.

And the hosts grabbed a crucial third goal on the stroke of half-time, immediately after an Ilkeston double chance.

Spencer was clinical, crashing a strike into the top corner after fine work from Brad Dockerty to produce the assist.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jamie Spencer (on ground) nets right before the half-time whistle for Avenue.Jamie Spencer (on ground) nets right before the half-time whistle for Avenue. (Image: John Rhodes.)

After riding out some Ilkeston pressure early in the second half, Avenue put the game to bed around the hour mark.

Will Lancaster’s effort struck the post, but Longbottom was on hand to head home the rebound and put Avenue 4-1 in front.

Substitute Chinedu Osadebe put a couple of chances over the crossbar for Avenue, while Ilkeston pushed hard for a consolation, with a couple of strikes going narrowly wide.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lucas Odunston and the rest of the Avenue defence had to withstand some late pressure.Lucas Odunston and the rest of the Avenue defence had to withstand some late pressure. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Sykes-Kenworthy made a great save in the final 10 minutes to ensure there were no late nerves for the home side, with Avenue looking to make it three straight wins when they travel to Nethermoor this afternoon.