Avenue want to make most of second chance

Source: Bradford Telegraph & Argus

By Dave Craven

Bradford Park Avenue are desperate to make the most of their second stab at FC United.

Benny Phillips' side face the Manchester outfit in an FA Trophy preliminary round replay tomorrow night.

The Avenue boss insists the knockout competition isn't a priority this season but is keen for his men to quickly regain some momentum after snatching a late equaliser in a poor performance on Saturday.

"It's a game we definitely want to win," Phillips said.

"We know the Trophy isn't top of our list but we're not going just to make the numbers up and we now have another chance to go through.

"We didn't play well on Saturday and they did. It's a simple as that.

"FC United had got beaten the week before and had a rocket up them.

"They played much better and I'll be expecting our lads to do the same tomorrow night."

The clash is being played at Radcliffe Borough's ground as FC United's usual home venue Gigg Lane is not available due to a Bury reserve-team match.

Meanwhile, Avenue full back Darren Hockenhull is out and facing between two and six weeks on the sidelines after cracking a rib on Saturday.

Mike Moseley (calf) is also missing but Andy Barlow should return from illness and young reserves centre half Steve Hollingworth is also set for a place.

Phillips hopes Matt Daly will get a run-out with the reserves against Stalybridge Celtic on Friday night.

Avenue entertain Farsley Celtic in the Alliance League (under-19s) tomorrow night (7.45), and an eagerly-awaited clash is anticipated with Avenue sitting at the top of the league and Farsley also unbeaten in second place.