Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to reclaim top spot in the Northern Premier League East Division on Saturday 17 October, when we welcome Ashington AFC to the Horsfall Community Stadium for a 3pm kick-off.
The Avenue moved to the top of the table last time out, with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Liversedge FC. A brace from the in-form Robbie Fox secured all three points and saw Bradford leapfrog Sedge into first place. However, Liversedge reclaimed top spot with a 1-0 home win over Blyth Spartans in midweek, moving one point clear of the Avenue despite having played four games more.
Despite injuries stretching the squad in recent weeks, the Green Army have continued to show tremendous resilience, extending their unbeaten start to the league campaign to 11 games last time out. The Avenue remain the only side in the division yet to taste defeat this season, underlining the consistency and determination that have driven their impressive start.
This Saturday’s visitors, Ashington, have endured a difficult start to the season and will make the trip to Bradford sitting third from bottom in the league’s relegation zone. However, the Colliers will arrive at the Horsfall Community Stadium in buoyant mood after an emphatic away victory over promotion-chasing Lincoln United on Tuesday evening.
The result brought an end to a run of five consecutive defeats, with Ashington putting the Whites to the sword in impressive fashion. Noah Cunningham led the charge with a hat-trick, while Josh Gilchrist added a fourth to seal a much-needed win.
Cunningham’s form will be of particular concern to the Avenue defence, with the forward having found the net four times in his last three appearances. Bradford will need to be alert to his threat if they are to maintain their unbeaten league record on Saturday.
The Green Army will be aiming to repeat last season’s success against Ashington and secure another three points on home soil. The Avenue claimed a 2-1 victory over the Colliers at the Horsfall Community Stadium in late September 2025, with early first half goals from Joe Ackroyd and Kareem Hassan-Smith proving enough to see off the visitors.
The away fixture proved even more convincing for Bradford, who ran out emphatic 4-0 winners at Woodhorn Lane. Adam Haw and Marcus Carver both struck twice to complete the league double over their hosts.
The Avenue will be determined to extend their unbeaten league run to 12 games on Saturday and maintain their push for top spot. Victory for Bradford, coupled with Liversedge dropping points away at Matlock Town, would be enough to send the Green Army back to the summit. However, Ashington will arrive with renewed confidence following their impressive midweek victory over Lincoln United, and will be eager to build on that result as they look to turn their season around. Bradford will need to be at their best to overcome a side buoyed by their recent success.
With plenty at stake for both sides, the Green Army will be hoping home advantage and a bumper crowd can help them secure another crucial three points in their pursuit of the league title.
Match preview by Ste Grimshaw
Admission: Adults £10 / Concessions (65+) £7 / Blue Light, Forces, Students £5 / Youth (12-18) £3 / Juniors (U12s with accompanying adult) £1
Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to remind everyone, we’re a family-friendly and community football club, with a zero tolerance policy on misbehaviour, discrimination, abuse and any incidents which disrupt the enjoyment of watching football at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
The Club, in conjunction with the BPA Sports Foundation, work closely with schools and community groups to attract more people to our facility, for everyone to enjoy, throughout the week, including matchdays.
On matchdays, we work closely with a specialist security organisation (Saxon), and we continue to maintain and build upon our professional relationship with West Yorkshire Police, to make it a safe space for spectators.
We’re proud to offer an excellent off the field service to spectators, including fantastic food and drink options, thanks to the support of our amazing and valued volunteers.
It’s great to see our attendances increasing. The Club, the management team and players appreciate the extra support from the terraces.
It’s important that everyone plays their part to make it an enjoyable experience, by cleaning as they go, putting litter in the numerous bins and making sure everyone has a good and safe experience watching BPA.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.