FIXTURES in the build-up to Easter will help Bradford Town manager Wayne Thorne understand if his side are capable of challenging for a top-six spot in the Toolstation League Premier Division.

Thorne has been delighted with his side’s form since arriving at Trowbridge Road in October.

Despite being told by the club’s board that avoiding relegation was the one target he had to meet upon joining the club, the Bobcats have comfortably positioned themselves in the division’s top half.

With back to back fixtures against seventh-placed Buckland Athletic awaiting, Thorne insists now is the time for his players to prove themselves to allow the Town boss to understand what targets to set for next season.

He said: “If somebody told me in October that we were going to finish in the top six, I would’ve been very pleased.

“But we’ve got some important games coming up, it’s now up to the lads to prove they are a top-six team.”

Bradford were also boosted last weekend after comfortably beating 17th placed Brislington 4-1 on the road.

Dan Cottle, Will Hailstone, Simon Prangley and Lewis Powell were on target for the visitors as they maintained their league position.

Thorne added: “The performances have been okay, but we’ve struggled to convert the possession we have had into goals.

“We are creating chances, but we’re not sticking them away – and that’s been the story of the season.”

Elsewhere, Westbury United’s title hopes appear to be slipping away after they lost 1-0 to Shortwood United.