The week started badly with last Saturday’s home Evo-Stik Premier Division fixture called off but Avenue boss John Deacey feels it turned out to be a very positive seven days.

The frustrations of the Burscough game at Horsfall Stadium being washed out were short-lived as the club had a cup-tie on Tuesday. A logistically draining trip to face a much-improved Durham City was rewarded with a victory.

Deacey said: “It was a difficult game against Durham because they are a steady side these days and it is always tricky playing on the artificial grass at their place.

“The squad has to be strong and, because of the lack of games over the worst of the winter, we had a lot of players who needed some game-time.

"We left six or seven regulars out in order to give people time on the pitch, and the ones that came in did very well.

“Dave Heagney didn’t even start but he did okay, to be fair to him, but he still needs more football. The big bonus was Rob O’Brien playing a full game. He had been coming back well until he picked up a knock against Nantwich and then missed the Buxton game.

“Watching him at Durham, you would never have known he had been out so long this season. It is very nice getting a player of his calibre back at this stage of the season - for me it’s a bigger boost than a new signing.”

Deacey was hoping to confirm a new signing before tomorrow's league trip to North Ferriby United. There has been no announcement so far today but the manager has not abandoned hope of getting his man.

Deacey’s target is a centre back, with uncertainty as to the extent of Brett Renshaw’s knee injury.

Initial medical reports suggest the player needs surgery to cure the problem but that has yet to be confirmed.

With one of his mainstay central defenders missing, Deacey decided to slot midfielder Adam Clayton into the position.

The Avenue chief has a knack of discovering untapped talent, and once again it worked for him. He also has a reputation of making good signings, and two of his newest recruits have gelled quickly.

Deacey added: “Adam played at the back for two games and he did well. No - he was excellent to be honest. He is a tall lad who is good in the air so he had the physical attributes to play there but the way he took to it impressed me and told me a lot about his character.

“Two of the new lads we have brought in have also been fantastic since they came into the side. Nicky Boshell and Nathan Hotte have been a breath of fresh air.”