Bradford (Park Avenue) will face their second away fixture of the week on Saturday, as we travel to face Heaton Stannington, with kick off scheduled for 3pm.
The Avenue will make the trip to Newcastle Upon Tyne in high spirits following Tuesday evening’s hard-fought victory over Bridlington Town. A first half own goal from Seasiders defender Kyle Fanning / stunner from Scott Duxbury, proved decisive in a 1-0 win, secured despite the inclement weather and a late onslaught from the hosts.
The result saw Bradford move four points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League East Division, while extending their unbeaten start to 13 matches and setting a new club record.
Saturday’s hosts, Heaton Stannington, currently sit ninth in the table after 15 games, just one point adrift of the play-off places. The Stan head into the fixture unbeaten in their last two matches, most recently fighting back from two goals down to earn a point in a 2-2 draw away at North Ferriby.
Despite some inconsistency in their league form this season, the Stan have been impressive at The Willow Park, winning five of their seven home fixtures. However, the Avenue will be confident that their own strong away record, which has seen them claim four wins from five matches on the road, can prove a match for the hosts.
Craig Elliott will be hoping his side can fare better against Heaton Stannington this season, having failed to secure a victory in either meeting between the sides last campaign. A goalless draw at the Horsfall Community Stadium in October 2025 was followed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat at The Willow Park in March.
The Avenue fell behind to an early Ben Milburn goal before Adriano Moke restored parity. However, Bradford were unable to build on the equaliser, and Konner Lamb’s second half strike ultimately secured all three points for the hosts.
The Avenue did, however, claim a victory over the Stan in last season’s Isuzu FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round. First half goals from Jak McCourt and Tom Corner secured a 2-1 victory for the Green Army at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
Riding high after a hard-fought victory in difficult conditions at Bridlington Town in midweek, the Avenue will be hoping to weather another storm on Saturday, with further poor conditions forecast. Bradford will be eager to see the fixture go ahead, having seen last season’s initial meeting at The Willow Park postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
A tough test awaits in the North East, but Craig Elliott’s side will be determined to overcome the challenge, extend their record-breaking unbeaten start, and strengthen their grip on top spot in the Northern Premier League East Division.
Match preview by Ste Grimshaw
Heaton Stannington vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)
Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division
Saturday 24 October
Kick-off: 15:00pm
Adults £10 / Concessions £7 (ID may be required) / Under 16 £2 (ID may be required) / Under 4s Free
The Willow Park
Newton Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7RZ
Driving directions
Heaton Stannington FC are based in the High Heaton area of Newcastle upon Tyne. The post code for your Sat Nav is NE7 7HP. Please ensure this is taking you to the Newton Road side of the ground, some older Sat Nav’s direct to the Cotswold Gardens side which has no access to the ground.
If you are coming from the South, it is likely you will come via one of two routes:
– Over the Tyne bridge: this will bring you off the Cntral Motorway at Jesmond and along Jesmond Road. After you go under the underpass at The Cradlewell, you will see the Corner Pub house on the right. Turn left at these lights and head up Newton Road. When you reach the roundabout, take a left and the ground is on your right side between the takeaway and florists. See below info for parking as you cannot drive into the ground on a matchday. Be aware the Tyne Bridge is closed this weekend so expect delays and diversions.
– Through the Tyne tunnel: this will bring you on to the Coast Road (A1058) heading towards Newcastle. You will leave this at the Exit for Chillingham Road/Benton Road and take a right turn at the large roundabout, taking third exit. You will drive past a large Sainsburys on the right side and at the next mini roundabout turn left into Cragside. At the next roundabout head straight over and the ground is on your right side between the takeaway and florists. See below info for parking as you cannot drive into the ground on a matchday.
If you are coming from the North, it is likley you will come via one of two routes:
– From South Gosforth: you will drive up Freeman Road and past the Freeman Hospital on your left. At the roundabout after this, turn left and the ground is on your left side between the takeaway and florists. See below info for parking as you cannot drive into the ground on a matchday.
– From Four Lane Ends: you will drive along Benton Road passing The Newton Park pub. Go straight over the first small roundabout and at the next small roundabout, turn right on to Cragside. At the next roundabout head straight over and the ground is on your right side between the takeaway and florists. See below info for parking as you cannot drive into the ground on a matchday.
Matchday Parking
IMPORTANT – Parking within the ground on a matchday is for players and officials only. There is no spectator parking inside the ground and our gate team will be positioned at the entry gate to check all who are entering. Please do not try and turn into the ground.
Parking in the surrounding area is plentiful and at times we play fixtures, there are no permit schemes in operating. We enjoy a good relationship with our neighbours and community and we ask that all spectators park considerately. Do NOT block driveways, park on pavements or use any other methods of parking which are deemed inconsiderate. If you prefer to park in a proper car park, there are two pay & display car parks at Paddy Freemans Park a few minutes walk away.
Public Transport
The Willow Park is easy to reach via public transport:
Train – Newcastle Central is the nearest mainline train station in the city centre.
Metro – South Gosforth, Longbenton and Four Lane Ends are all in walking distance of the ground with the first two slightly closer. All of them are within a 20 minute walk.
Bus – Stagecoach number 38 is the most convenient and stops right outside our ground in both directions. You can get this from several places in the City Centre including near Central Station (next to the Mile Castle pub), John Dobson street and Haymarket. We are close to the Freeman Hospital so any bus coming from other directions which stops there is suitable.
Match coverage
The best way to follow BPA is to support the lads on the terraces, home and away. If you’re unable to make the trip, we’ll bring you live audio commentary on avenueonair.mixlr.com from 2:50pm and updates will be provided on our BPAFCOfficial X channel.