John Deacey could be the first Bradford (Park Avenue) manager to lift the West Riding County Cup since Jim Mackay in 1991
Jim Mackay was their manager and the late Gary Kershaw was their captain when Bradford (Park Avenue) last won the West Riding County Cup in 1991.
That year, only three after Avenue reformed, Mackay’s men beat Pontefract Collieries 5-1 after extra-time at the same venue of tomorrow’s final – Valley Parade.
The likes of double-goalscorer Darren Wardman, goalkeeper Paul Allen along with the Eli brothers Rupert and Rohan graced that side.
The cup hasn’t been kind to Avenue since.
Trevor Storton, Dave Cameron, Lee Sinnott and current boss John Deacey have all guided Avenue to the final since, but have failed to bring the trophy back.
Some may argue that the final with Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Garforth Town is their best chance to win the County Cup since 1991.
Deacey has a different view.
“It would be great (to win a trophy), but it is a big agenda for us next week,” said Deacey, speaking before his side’s goal-less draw with Guiseley.
“We play Guiseley on Saturday, Flyde on Monday and then Garforth on the Wednesday.
“We then play another league game on the Saturday so it is a bit of a hectic one for us.
“We won’t be able to fill the bench for the County Cup because we have three or four players who can’t play in it.
“Maybe we’ll have 12 or 13 players for it. But, we’ll see what we can do against a very young and enthusiastic Garforth side that did very well against Harrogate Town in the last round.
“They are not going to be overawed by playing another team from the Conference North.”