Back-to-back victories sandwiched between consecutive weekend postponements mean Bradford Park Avenue go into Saturday’s Evo-Stik Premier Division fixture with mixed feelings.

The squad appears to have returned to form as they have bounced back well from two defeats but they are short on match fitness as they head to North Ferriby United – one of the many clubs Avenue boss John Deacey served with distinction.

Deacey said: “It is my old hunting ground and it is always nice going back there.

“It is a lovely place and a very well run, successful club. They are always there or thereabouts season after season.

“Those are the very reasons why it’s hard for clubs to go there and come away with anything but we have to be looking for points because we need them.

“The three games that follow Saturday’s are all tough ones too but the players are looking forward to this little run of fixtures.

“That’s as long as the weather holds. We have been left with just a training session on the past two Saturdays and that’s not good.

“We haven’t got started properly yet but it has been the same for the other clubs so it’s a level playing field.”

When the home game against Buxton was called off it was hastily rearranged for the following Wednesday.

Then, last Saturday’s game against Burscough was washed out but Avenue had a League Cup tie at Durham City on Tuesday.

Avenue beat Buxton 4-1 and followed that up with a 3-1 victory at Durham.

Both victories were secured with midfielder Adam Clayton partnering James Knowles at centre-back but the manager hopes that emergency arrangement has come to an end.

“The trouble is that Brett Renshaw is out with a knee injury and may have to have an operation,” added Deacey. “Adam was just filling in but I hope to complete the signing of a centre half tomorrow – one who comes to us with a good pedigree.

“We will be missing recent signing Nicky Boshell because he is serving a one-match ban from when he was a Brighouse Town player. But Steve Burton missed the Durham game for the same reason so he is available again. That’s one in, one out of the midfield equation.

“It was also a big bonus for us that Rob O’Brien got 90 minutes in at Durham, and scored a goal, with him on the comeback trail.”