Bradford (Park Avenue) fell to a narrow defeat to Stalybridge Celtic, in the FA Trophy First Round Qualifying.
The Avenue looked on course to remain unbeaten, after taking an early lead through Ben Andreucci. But, before the break, Liam Tongue struck a powerful effort from 30 yards into the back of the net. With penalties approaching, Celtic snatched a late victory, thanks to a super solo finish from Andy Scarisbrick.
Wearing their away kit, in full, for the first time, Bradford took the game to their opponents, dominating possession and quietening the home crowd, breaking the deadlock inside the opening ten minutes.
Andreucci started a high press and forced a defensive error from Kyle Brownhill. The left-back conceded possession and Andreucci fired his side into the lead., from inside the penalty area.
The visitors continued to be on top for the next 20 minutes, but were unable to force Charlie Monks into a save. Bradford were unlucky, on the state of play, to concede an equaliser.
Celtic captain Liam Tongue collected the ball from a throw-in and unleashed a low right-footed strike, skidding off the wet surface and past Dec Lambton, from distance.
After the break, the home side were more of an attacking threat, going up the slope, causing a few headaches for Avenue. Bradford, looked relatively comfortable with the ball at their feet, but again, lacked a clinical edge that has been seen in the early few games of the season.
Both managers made changes to avoid a penalty shootout, and it was Marcus Carver who came close to regaining Avenue’s lead.
Immediately after entering the pitch, the striker was put through on goal, but Monks came off his line and superbly denied Carver at his feet.
Then, the hosts took the lead. A long kick from Monks, down the right wing, found Scarisbrick, who was arguably Stalybridge’s best player throughout the afternoon. He expertly put the ball through Jameel Ible’s legs, before rounding Lambton and slotting home, to the delight of the fans behind the goal.
The Avenue were unable to equalise, despite a late penalty shout, but Brad Abbott was booked for diving. Bradford return to league action on Bank Holiday Monday, with a trip to face Ossett United (3pm).
Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton, Brown, Winfield, Ekpolo (Abbott 80′), Duxbury, Ible (c), Chorlton (Hassan-Smith 71′), Moke, Andreucci, Fox (Carver 58′), Parkin (Shanks 80′), Thompson (Parkin 71′).
Goalscorer: Andreucci (9′)
Attendance: 447