A HOME victory on Monday saw Bradford Park Avenue climb to fifth in Vanarama National League North – and although they dropped to eighth as other clubs played their midweek fixtures, manager Mark Bower was still a happy man.

Avenue beat Boston United 2-1 just two days after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Nuneaton Town, who played more than half an hour with ten men. The back-to-back games stretched the Avenue squad but they stood up and banked four points from a possible six.

Bower said: "I had six players out for that game (Monday) and five of those were starters in the first game of the season, so to say we've been on such a run – seven games unbeaten and on the verge of the play-off places – is amazing.

"It's a testament to the players who have come into the side to take the places of the injured players and to the strength and quality of the squad. We've had to make so many changes over the last few weeks but the standards on the pitch haven't dropped at all."

Young goalkeeper Ed Hall has performed remarkably well in the absence of Steve Drench, who many regard as the best keeper in the division.

Former Huddersfield Town under-21s skipper Jamie Spencer and fellow close-season signing Cameron Lyn have also done well, while Graham Kelly – signed on loan from Port Vale – has settled in quickly.

Bower said: "It's good to have these quality players coming through and really staking their claim. The lads who have come in have grasped their opportunity and shown a desire to hold on to their shirt.

"We've not got the biggest squad, by any means, but we made a point of bringing in players that can fill a number of positions. We already had Adam Nowakowski and now we've got the likes of Javan Vidal, Nicky Clee and Mark Ross.

"It's important that we've had that versatility in the squad over this run and we hope that now the hectic opening to the season is coming to an end, and the games are spreading out, that the players get the time they need to recover between games.

"We've still got Graham. We signed him on a one-month loan initially but I think both clubs will look at that before it runs out. Port Vale have been really good with us and have allowed him to play in the FA Cup for us this weekend.

"I think we've been very fortunate with him as it's difficult to get players in at this stage of the season. You have to look at what they're going to bring, whether they have enough experience, the resilience and mentality of the player and also if the deal will fit within the budget.

"Graham was a player that ticked a lot of boxes and he slotted in straight away. I think he's a player that will go on to do well in his career."