MARK Bower wants Bradford (Park Avenue) to be more positive in their bid to secure a National League North play-off spot.

His side have been in the top-seven mix all season but a 1-0 Good Friday defeat at Darlington has left their promotion campaign in the balance.

They currently sit in sixth spot - just two points inside the play-off zone ahead of eighth-placed Blyth - with tough two games left.

That starts with a visit from former Football League side York City to Horsfall this afternoon and is followed by a trip to leaders Chorley on Saturday.

Looking ahead to the Minstermen clash, Bower said: "It's big game for us with a big club coming but still the ball is in our own court.

"It's for us to go out there and probably be a little bit more on the front foot than we were on Friday.

"I thought we were a bit nervous and a bit edgy, not wanting to make a mistake. The longer the game went on the lads stopped being as positive as they were earlier on.

"We've got two games to go and we've got to get as much out of them as we can."

Nicky Clee is a big doubt after straining his groin against Darlington and Bower will assess the rest of his squad given the quick turnaround.

He said: "There were a few tired legs out there in the second half on Friday, and we've got to make sure we are as good as we can possibly be on Monday."

Visitors York remain stuck in mid-table with seemingly little to play for but Bower does not expect them to be winding down for the summer.

He said: "We're playing a massive full-time club in York City, and I'm sure they'll be very disappointed with their league finish this season.

"They'll be looking to build some momentum going into next season, where I'm sure their aim will be to win to win the league.

"They've got some very good players. We know one very well in Macaulay Langstaff who, since his loan spell has gone back there, and is scoring loads of goals for them.

"It's going to be really tough, but hopefully there'll be a decent crowd, a good atmosphere and we can give a good account of ourselves and we can try and get ourselves as high up as we can in that league table."

York defender Sean Newton said Avenue's need to earn points could work in their favour.

He said: “I think the fact that Bradford need to win as well will benefit the game and, hopefully, we can hit them on the counter."

York will be making their first trip to Bradford since August 2017 when, under Gary Mills, the visitors soared to a 5-0 success that remains their best at sixth-tier level.

Meanwhile, there is just as much pressure on Guiseley at the other end of the table.

Victory at home to Darlington today would make them safe but anything less could see their survival fight go down to the last game.

The Lions are four points clear of FC United of Manchester, who won 3-2 at Alfreton on Saturday, and Ashton United.