A LEWIS Knight hat-trick provided an early indication of what Bradford (Park Avenue)'s attacking prowess could be like this season as they crushed Thackley 5-1 at Dennyfield.

There was also a chance to see new signing Tabish Hussain in action with Avenue handing the trialist a one-year contract before the friendly.

Early on, it was defenders Matty Downing and Luca Havern who came the closest for the away side.

With the game on the verge of going into the break goalless, academy scarlet Jamie Lyons produced some magic to break the deadlock. The 18-year-old smashed home from inside the box.

Mark Bower rang the changes at half time, allowing the eager Knight to come off the bench. After 15 minutes, the pacey forward found himself on the scoresheet, finishing nicely past Luke Wilson.

Brad Dockerty created Bradford's third. Neat footwork got him into the box where he kindly swept it across to an unmarked Knight.

It was an action-packed last three minutes. Knight completed his trio with a delicious free-kick. However, the hosts responded immediately when Adam Muller's headed effort found its way in.

The visitors would have the final say though. Dockerty met a cross at the back post to get his team's fifth.

It was a return to winning ways for Bower's men after opening their pre-season account well at Silsden before last week's defeat to Ossett United.

Avenue travel to Liversedge on Tuesday and then will attempt to appear on their new 3G pitch on Saturday against Grantham Town.

Pakistan international Hussain signed on the dotted line after impressing in those two previous friendlies.

After coming through the Guiseley academy and making his first team bow at 17, the Bradford-born attacker made his international debut in front of over 30,000 people as an 84th minute substitute in Pakistan's 2022 World Cup qualifier against Cambodia, last June.

He was loaned out to Eccleshill United for the 2019/20 campaign in search of some first team football, but failed to do enough to earn another deal at Nethermoor.

This allowed former Lions boss Bower to swoop in and snap Hussain up for a spell at Horsfall.

Hussain told Avenue's website: "Firstly, I am delighted to be given the opportunity and looking forward to the season ahead.

"I feel as though the 3G pitch at the Horsfall suits me perfectly and the gaffa wants the team to get the ball down and play as much as possible. I have really bought into this as it gives me the chance to showcase my ability on the ball.

"All the lads have been very welcoming and they’ve given me the confidence to do well in the two trail games I’ve played in.

"I’m Bradford-born so the club feels like a comfortable environment and hopefully I can push on and do well"

Bower added: "We’ve been very impressed with Tabish through pre-season. He has shown plenty of natural ability, a great attitude and a willingness to learn.

"We feel his attributes are well suited to our new surface and we look forward to helping Tabish realise his potential."