PAUL Shanley admits that Bradford Town’s shortfall of league fixtures isn’t lost on him but the Trowbridge Road boss views that deficit as a sign that his team are heading in the right direction.

Bradford, whose league clash with Longwell Green Sports on Tuesday night was rained off, have played just 13 matches in the Toolstation League Premier Division so far this term, six less than current table-toppers Bristol Manor Farm.

But last weekend, Shanley’s side booked their place in the second round of the Les Phillips Cup by thrashing county rivals Devizes Town 5-0 and this Saturday, they host Cadbury Heath in the second round proper of the FA Vase.

The clash with the Heathens will be Bradford’s first involvement in the competition this season following their run to the last 16 last time out.

“We’ve not played many games and you’d rather have the points on the board than the games in hand but we’ve still been winning football matches,” said Shanley.

“A lot of teams have played a lot more games than us and we’ll have to play catch-up but that’s because we’ve been doing well in cup competitions and going through the rounds.

“Apart from the FA Cup, the Vase is the biggest competition we play in and we’ve got our first game this weekend because we did so well last season, going on a really good run before we lost to Highworth.

“I think that Cadbury Heath are one of the most-improved teams in our league over the last month. They’re probably looking at it as a good draw for them.”

Neikell Plummer starred with a hat-trick as Devizes were put to the sword last weekend.

The Bradford man slammed a shot home in the first period before Aaron Cornwall crossed for him to head home after the break.

Plummer then completed his treble after Gio Wrona and Dominic Holver combined to set him up before Elam Plummer teed up Holver to make it 4-0.

Debutant Matt Morris then wrapped up the tie with Bradford’s fifth of the afternoon.

Shanley said: "Devizes came in off the back of a couple of decent results but we dominated the game from start to finish and 5-0 flattered them a bit."

Top-scorer Sam Jordan is unavailable for Saturday's Vase tie, which has £1,000 in prize money on the line, whilst midfielder Aaron Wilson and goalkeeper Jamie Bartlett remain long-term absentees.