BRADFORD (Park Avenue) travelled down to Nottingham on Saturday to face Basford United, looking to kickstart a run of form following their 1-0 triumph over Marske United last week.

But it proved to be a miserable away day, as their fellow strugglers won 2-0 to move just a point behind Bradford in the table.

Mark Bower handed a debut to former Bantams midfielder Connor Shanks, who has joined on loan from Spennymoor Town, and his side started the clash positively.

Harry Colville’s cross met the darting run of Chinedu Osadabe, but the striker, who had scored in his last two games, sent his header wide.

The hosts replied instantly to this pressure. Kieran Fenton’s corner was whipped into a dangerous position, but the header on goal skimmed just wide.

That miss did not prove too costly for Basford, who took the lead moments later.

Jordan Hallam struck a superb effort after a driving run forward and it beat Bantams loanee Heath Richardson at his near post.

The Lions continued their momentum after the break, and Hallam nearly claimed his second of the afternoon as his attempt rocketed against the post.

The visitors tried their best to fend off the hosts and Colville had a chance to draw the scores level, but he snatched his effort wide.

The post was still shaking from Hallam’s strike and it was hit once again, this time by Fenton’s shot, with Avenue doing well to clear the rebound away from danger.

But Hallam claimed his second for Basford with 15 minutes to go.

After some brilliant football down the right flank to set him up, the poacher made no mistake and fired his effort into the top corner, giving Richardson no chance in the Avenue goal.

Avenue were unable to hit back from that killer blow and ultimately, a great performance from the hosts gave them a much-deserved victory.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: It was not the debut loanee Connor Shanks had in mind.It was not the debut loanee Connor Shanks had in mind. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Avenue had their chances though, and the scoreline could have looked very different had they been taken.

Bower gave his thoughts on the clash and said: “It was incredibly frustrating.

“I knew it would be tight, but we got in so many good areas.

“I don’t know why we’re not shooting when we get in those good areas, because the instructions are there for the lads.

“We worked the ball well in the first half in particular, but we’re turning down the opportunities to shoot.”