By: Ste Grimshaw
Bradford (Park Avenue) enjoyed an impressive pre-season, recording five wins from five matches as they completed their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
Craig Elliott’s side began their pre-season in mid-July with a home fixture against Sheffield FC. First half goals from Ben Andreucci and summer signing Robbie Fox secured a 2-1 victory for the Avenue, providing a positive start to preparations.
Five days later, the Green Army were on the road for a visit to local neighbours Albion Sports. The Saturday lunchtime fixture saw the Avenue produce an emphatic attacking display, securing a comfortable 6-0 victory with two goals from Jake Thompson, alongside strikes from Luke Parkin, Marcus Carver, Andreucci, and Adam Haw.
Another short away trip followed just two days later as the Avenue travelled across Bradford to face Thackley AFC. Once again, they impressed in front of goal, finding the net five times against their hosts. A first-half brace from Haw was followed by further finishes from Thompson, Connor Shanks and Scott Duxbury.
The following week saw a Bradford City XI visit the Horsfall Community Stadium for the annual Tom Banks Memorial Trophy fixture. A crowd of 954 gathered on a sunny Tuesday evening, with Louie Chorlton’s 70th-minute strike proving decisive as the Avenue secured a narrow victory and ensured the trophy remained on the green side of the city.
Pre-season preparations were rounded off with a challenging trip to Gainsborough Trinity, a side who compete one division higher than Bradford (Park Avenue). Another impressive display saw the Avenue claim victory, with second-half goals from Chorlton and Andreucci securing a 2-0 triumph to maintain a perfect pre-season record. The five-match run was characterised by promising attacking intent and solid defensive displays, providing plenty of encouragement for the season ahead.
With five wins from five and plenty of positive signs throughout their preparations, the Green Army will head into the new campaign with confidence and momentum.
Attention now turns to the opening league fixture on Saturday 15 August, when the Avenue make the trip to newly promoted Guisborough Town. After an unbeaten pre-season, Craig Elliott’s side will be looking to carry their impressive form into the opening day, and make a strong start to the 2026/27 campaign.