Bradford Park Avenue manager John Deacey is happy with his side’s FA Cup draw – but even happier with the form of two players in particular.

Avenue were handed a home tie for next weekend in the fourth qualifying round draw and their opponents were confirmed as Ossett Albion a day later.

And Deacey was keen to give a special mention to two of his players – Paul Walker and Richard Marshall – who have turned in star performances of late.

With a squad reduced in numbers due to budget constraints, he just hopes to avoid a long injury list.

Deacey said: “We only had 16 players last weekend and one of them was Humey (assistant-player manager Mark Hume). Doncaster Rovers took Liam Wakefield back and Adam Clayton and Jamie Jackson were injured.

“I’ve been very pleased with Paul Walker though. He is an excellent footballer with a lot of skill and is also a really nice lad. His attitude is spot on.

“His form over the last four or five games has been absolutely outstanding – as has Richard Marshall’s, to be fair.

“They have been different class this season and their confidence is high because they are doing well and enjoying their football.”

Deacey has to manage his squad carefully through a busy period but he is delighted the club are in the position of having to plan for big and important games.

He said: “We were glad of the home draw – that is the first thing. We didn’t know who against at the time because Hinckley United, who are in our league (Blue Square Bet North), had to replay against Ossett Albion and Ossett won.

“They come to us next week and we dare not take them lightly. They have already beaten a team from our league and they knocked out Farsley in an earlier round, so they are no mugs.

“I couldn’t get to the replay but I spoke to someone who was there and he told me they (Ossett) won at a canter.

“I’m usually pretty good with my memory and I can’t ever remember Albion getting to the first round proper, so it is probably going to be the biggest game in their history. That will make it even more difficult for us.

“I’m glad for the local clubs though. We are through and so are Guiseley, Halifax Town and Harrogate, all from the Conference North.

“With Ossett Albion that makes five West Yorkshire teams in it. I know either ourselves or Ossett will get knocked out but there could still be four from our area going into the first round and the chance of a big tie against a Football League club.”