Bradford Park Avenue manager Mark Bower believes today’s clash with Workington could be a high-scoring affair.
But Bower, who saw his side lose an FA Cup replay in mid-week against Blyth Spartans after taking them to extra-time, would settle for a scrappy 1-0 win.
He told the Bradford website: ““They’re a good team who are confident in possession.
“They play in good areas where others wouldn’t take those risks and like to build from the back like us.
“They’ve conceded a lot this season but scored plenty too.
“We’re good at home though, and it could be a high-scoring game, even though I’d take a scrappy 1-0 win to get us going.”
But the Bradford manager, like Reds’ Danny Grainger, is having to cope with a spate of injuries.
He lost Jake Whiting in the 14th minute, and later Jamie Spencer in the 60th minute of the original tie at Blyth.
“Jamie looks like he’s going to be out for a few months having damaged his knee.
“We’re waiting on his results to work out a plan of action but he’s probably going to need surgery, so I don’t expect to see him back this side of Christmas.
“We’ll be looking to strengthen in midfield because of that, as Spenner was our most experienced player in there, and it looks very young without him.
“Harrison Hopper and Will Lancaster have done a good job in there, but we need someone now with a bit of knowhow and that streetwise edge.
“That’s especially important with us getting into autumn and the weather turning, so hopefully we can bring someone in this week.”
Bower is hopeful of welcoming back the likes of Mason O’Malley, Myles La Bastide and Whiting from injury tomorrow too, as well as Hopper from suspension.
Grainger has also had to contend with injuries and still has Lewis Reilly (ankle) and Bobby Carroll (knee) as long-term absentees.
But he was encouraged by Reds’ performance in defeat last week at Darlington when they went out of the FA Cup.
After the visit to Bradford, Reds have two attractive home games – against Lancaster City on Tuesday and FC United of Manchester next Saturday.
- Reds youngsters travelled to Morpeth Town last night to contest the latest round of the FA Youth Cup. They were given a walk-over in the first scheduled game when Seaham Red Star pulled out.
