BRADFORD (Park Avenue) dropped back into the relegation zone after falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated Chester side on Saturday.

While it is not a good tag to be floating in the relegation embers, it is only a minor setback for Mark Bower’s side, who are currently just one point adrift of safety.

But a second-half strike from former York City forward Kurt Willoughby gifted Chester their third consecutive victory, meaning they are now unbeaten in their last seven.

Bower remained upbeat with his team, saying: “It was a game we definitely should’ve got something out of, but if you concede the goal we conceded today then you’re asking for trouble.

“First half was quite even, there were spells where they kept the ball well but with neither team really creating too much. We had Brad (Dockerty) have a one-on-one, probably fouled, to be honest, he’s too honest and shouldn’t have stayed on his feet, if he goes down there the lad gets sent off.

“Will (Longbottom) had a good chance before the end of the half, we’re just trying to get the lads to be a bit more confident and get on the ball more.

“In the second half, we came out and were in complete control of the game, they were playing like an away team almost, we had so much possession and so much control and then one goalkeeper’s clearance, takes a bounce and all of a sudden their lads through on goal.

“It’s a criminal goal to concede, they’re a good side with good players but they’ve not cut us open, not caused us too many problems over the ninety minutes.”

Prior to kick-off, Park Avenue announced the signing of youngster Will Lancaster on loan from Barnsley, who slotted straight into the starting eleven.

There would be chances early on for both sides, with Willoughby nearly getting a decisive touch from close range in the opening 60 seconds, whilst Will Longbottom fired over after some nice footwork.

Brad Dockerty netted his second of the season in midweek and nearly found himself on the scoresheet again, but on loan Stoke City goalkeeper Joe Tyrer rushed out to halt a one and one opportunity.

Tyrer would be alert once again as Thomas Angell delivered a ball into Longbottom, whose low shot was smothered by the goalkeeper.

Heading into the second half, chances were rare until a hopeful clearance from Tyrer evaded the Park Avenue defence and Willoughby raced in behind before delicately finishing past George Sykes-Kenworthy in goal.

Chester would have a couple of chances to double their advantage, as Declan Weeks fired a free-kick over and Willoughby had another effort parried wide by Sykes-Kenworthy.

Angell’s crosses for the left have been dangerous since his switch from Sheffield United, and a teasing cross picked out substitute Lucas Odunston at the back post, but his header fell narrowly wide of the target, seeing Willoughby’s 12th of the season granting Chester three points and Park Avenue leaving the Deva Stadium pointless.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are next in action on Monday night, as newly promoted Peterborough Sports, who are winless in their last six outings, are hosted at the Horsfall Stadium for a 7:45pm kick-off.