BRADFORD (Park Avenue) are one of only two clubs to have won both their matches so far this season in Vanarama National League North.

However, a trip to Leamington – who are among eight unbeaten clubs – tomorrow seems just the kind of test that will keep the players' feet on their ground at Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue have already beaten Brackley Town 1-0 at home last Saturday and Blyth Spartans 2-1 away on Tuesday, while the Midlanders have drawn 2-2 at Altrincham and beaten visitors Boston United 2-0.

Boston beat Guiseley 1-0 in their opening match, and Bower said of the Lincolnshire side: "They were many people's favourites to go up before the start of the season."

As for Leamington, he said: "It is a tough place to go. We lost their last season (2-1) and were fortunate to beat them at home (1-0)."

One worry before the campaign began was how were Avenue going to replace the 20 goals that Adam Boyes scored last season, a total that made him joint fifth in the marksmen's charts with a certain Jon Parkin of York City.

However, his replacement Jake Beesley, signed on a season-long loan from Salford City, is doing very nicely thank you, having already notched a brace in the win at Spartans.

Bower, in comparing Boyes and Beesley, said: "They are very similar in many ways.

"Both work hard for the cause, and Jake ran into the channel in the 91st minute on Tuesday to win us a throw in and keep the pressure on the opposition.

"Maybe Jake is slightly better in the air, and we will be looking to profit from that."

Of course, early goals help a forward settle, and Beesley said: "The lads are buzzing at the moment after two good performances."

But the foundations for a successful season are laid at the other end of the pitch, and Bower said: "We have a goalkeeper who played last season and a back four who know each other, and you find that sides who win the league generally don't give too many goals away – not that I am saying that we are going to win the league!"

Bower is also pleased with the creativity that his team have won, but added tellingly: "All the table is at the moment is a form guide."

Chorley are the only other team with a 100 per cent record, while Chester, Hereford, Altrincham, Ashton United and AFC Telford United are all on four points alongside Leamington, but matches are coming thick and fast at the moment.

About the only current frustration for Bower is that he has been waiting for international clearance for a potential signing for two weeks.

"It should never take that long," said the former Bantams and Guiseley centre half.

Avenue's match at FC United of Manchester has been postponed for 24 hours until Sunday, September 2 at the request of the hosts.