Horsfall set the stage for Danny Whitaker’s first game in charge of Bradford (Park Avenue).

But the highly-anticipated showdown with mid-table Bamber Bridge fell flat for the hosts, as they slipped to a 3-0 defeat, falling back into the Northern Premier League Premier Division relegation zone as a result.

A former promotion winner with both Macclesfield Town and Chesterfield, Whitaker had been working with youth players at the former’s phoenix club, Macclesfield FC, in his previous role.

His remit at Avenue is to have a major input in the running of the club’s academy, as well as leading the first team.

Someone who straddles both is exciting young forward Myles La Bastide, who has come through the youth system at Avenue to become a regular first teamer at Horsfall.

He had the opening chance yesterday against Bamber Bridge, but a good interception stopped him from breaking through the visiting defence.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Myles La Bastide came through Avenue's academy and has a bright future ahead of him.Myles La Bastide came through Avenue's academy and has a bright future ahead of him. (Image: Martin Taylor.)

Avenue came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break too, after some great work from Lewis Hey saw him feed the ball into Jordan Preston.

The experienced striker saw his subsequent shot rattle the post and eventually go out for a Bamber Bridge throw.

But the second half was a different story for Whitaker’s men.

Just 10 minutes after the break, Harry Scarborough put Bamber Bridge into the lead with a precise effort, sending the visiting supporters into raptures.

Billy Bould doubled the away side’s lead after 71 minutes, as he tucked away the rebound following an impressive save from on-loan Avenue keeper Tom Scott.

Bamber Bridge sealed the game with seven minutes to go when Ewan Bange slotted his effort past Scott and put the cherry on top of an impressive second-half display from the visitors.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Avenue skipper Lucas Odunston saw his side fall away after the break, following some signs of promise in the first half.Avenue skipper Lucas Odunston saw his side fall away after the break, following some signs of promise in the first half. (Image: Martin Taylor.)

In a game with very few chances for the hosts, Bamber Bridge ran out as deserved winners, with Whitaker’s side now a point off safety following Marske United’s impressive 1-0 home win over high-flying Ashton United.

Avenue face a tough ask in their next league game, which is at leaders Radcliffe on Boxing Day.