BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower cannot fathom how tomorrow's visitors Southport are fourth-bottom in the Vanarama National League North, but their upturn in form gives him cause for concern.

They have won their last three league games and after drawing at League Two side Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup on Sunday, they are just a home replay away from facing Premier League titans Tottenham Hotspur in the third round.

Avenue are flying at the league's summit, going three points clear after a fine 2-0 win at AFC Telford United last week, but Bower said: "If you didn't look at the league table, you'd say we were underdogs against Southport.

"They'd only won once by the end of October and they were bottom. It must have been the falsest position I've ever seen in football.

"They're a quality, full-time side who I think will still be fighting for the play-offs at the end of the season.

"They were signing players for hefty fees last season and they've only added more quality this year.

"They're having a great cup run too, all with a good manager (Liam Watson), who has lots of experience at this level."

Southport ought to be wary of Bradford too. The Horsfall side have not lost a league game since October 13, yet they are still not fully satisfied.

Bower said: "We feel there's room for improvement and more to come from our side. It's not a case of maintaining our current form, we want to push on and do better.

"We're not too concerned about other sides at the moment, we're just going about our business and trying to pick up as many points as possible.

"It's the best feeling in the world coming in at 10 to five on Saturday after picking up a win.

"We want to keep that feelgood factor, which we have achieved through our professionalism, discipline and work rate this season."

Youngsters can see all of those qualities without having to pay a penny tomorrow. Under-16s will not be charged for entry at Horsfall, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Bower is thrilled by Bradford's latest community initiative, and he said: "It's an important day for the club but it's not just about tomorrow. Schemes like this can be good for our long-term future.

"All the big clubs in the area are away this weekend, so on a day like tomorrow, we like being an option for fans to come and visit.

"The product on and off the pitch is good at Avenue at the moment, with facilities at the ground continuing to improve.

"It should be a really good game between us and Southport, so hopefully people enjoy it and want to come back again in the future."