By: Ste Grimshaw
Bradford (Park Avenue) will get their Pitching In Northern Premier League East campaign underway, this Saturday, when they travel to North Yorkshire to face newly promoted Guisborough Town at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium (3pm).
The Avenue were originally scheduled to open the new season with a home clash against local rivals Silsden AFC on Tuesday night. However, the Cobbydalers’ draw with Mossley AFC in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round meant the fixture had to be postponed.
Bradford will head into the game against Guisborough Town brimming with confidence after an impressive pre-season saw the Green Army win all five of their friendly fixtures, overcoming opposition from a range of levels. The Avenue’s attacking prowess was evident, with 16 goals scored across the five matches, while strong defensive showings saw them keep three clean sheets and concede just twice.
The club have made no secret of their lofty ambitions for the season after narrowly missing out on promotion last term. The Avenue reached the NPL East play-off final, where they were held to a goalless draw by Emley AFC after 120 minutes before suffering a 5-4 defeat on penalties. The bulk of the side that showed such fine form towards the end of the season has been retained, a move that will no doubt have been welcomed by the Green Army, while a number of vital additions have been made to bolster the squad in key areas, leaving Bradford well placed to mount another promotion challenge this time around.
Guisborough Town present a new challenge to the division after securing promotion last season, finishing top of the Northern Football League Division One after winning an impressive 30 of their 36 fixtures. Having suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Thornaby in the FA Cup on Saturday, the Priorymen were able to begin their league campaign as scheduled on Tuesday night, travelling to Heaton Stannington. Despite taking the lead after 17 minutes through a Ben Errington header, Guisborough were pegged back before half-time, with the score remaining at 1-1 until the final whistle.
With Bradford (Park Avenue) looking to build on last season’s near miss and Guisborough Town eager to make their mark at the higher level, Saturday’s clash promises to be an intriguing encounter at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium.
Information for travelling fans:
The Kevin Edward KGV Stadium
Howlbeck Road
Guisborough
TS14 6LE
Adults £10 / Concessions £7 / U16s £2
The main stand has seating for over 100, and there is a covered enclosure on the opposite side. Fully licensed club house serving a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks. Refreshments kiosk situated at the changing room end of the main stand, serving a variety of hot and cold food and drinks. Limited parking available outside the ground.
The supporters who have booked on the supporters bus will be contacted directly by organiser Dave Rawling – no extra bookings can be made.
We look forward to seeing you there!