Avenue are determined to return to winning ways at Horsfall Stadium on Saturday – and they are also hoping City and Bulls fans will turn out to cheer them on against Cammell Laird.
A point from a hard-earned draw at second-placed Ilkeston Town in midweek lifted Avenue back above neighbours and close rivals Guiseley to fifth in the UniBond League Premier Division table.
A three-point maximum against the Lairds will strengthen their promotion challenge further and they want some vocal support from Bradford’s sports crazy public to help them.
Avenue director Kevin Hainsworth explained: “We are bringing back our offer of free admission to Bantams and Bulls season-ticket holders for all of our league games.
“Our policy is to let any children under 16, accompanied by an adult, in for free anyway, so that will also apply to any City or Bulls supporters who want to bring their children with them. Now they can all get in for nothing.
“All we ask is that they produce their season ticket for either Valley Parade or Odsal at one of our turnstiles on Cemetery Road or at the other end of the ground. If they do that they will be admitted free of charge along with any under-16s with them.
“It was something we did towards the end of last season and now the rugby season is over and our fixtures are not clashing with City, we thought it was the right time to reintroduce the deal.”
On the playing side, Avenue boss Dave Cameron was delighted with the performance at Ilkeston but disappointed not to have won the game.
“It was a good point from a tough away game, so you have to accept that, but we created more so it was tinged with a little regret that we didn’t take all three,” said Cameron.
“The players worked hard and grafted, all the things they didn’t do when we lost the FA Trophy game at home to Clitheroe last Saturday. If they put the work rate and effort in and have a bad game I won’t complain.
“What a difference Raphael Evans made to us at centre back. He played out of position at left back against Clitheroe and had a poor game. He is a natural centre back, so I take the blame for the switch that didn’t work in the Trophy.
“He was in his natural position on Tuesday and he won everything. Carl (assistant manager Ruffer) was out through suspension but Evans did a superb job.”
Evans is one of two players on loan from Rochdale and will retain his place as Ruffer has a three-game ban for a recent sending off.
Stuart Graves came off at half-time on Tuesday, so is a doubt for Saturday, but Cameron expects winger Roy Stamer to be back from an ankle injury.
