Bradford (Park Avenue) will begin their Emirates FA Cup campaign on Saturday, when they travel to Greater Manchester to face Mossley AFC at Seel Park in the Preliminary Round, with the tie kicking off at 3pm.
The trip to Mossley will be Bradford’s third consecutive away fixture of the season, having opened their Pitching In Northern Premier League East campaign with successive victories. The Avenue began with a 3-1 win at Guisborough Town, before following it up with a 2-1 midweek victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels.
This Saturday’s hosts play at the same level as the Avenue, but in the NPL West Division. Like the Green Army, the Lilywhites have also begun their season with back-to-back away games. A convincing 4-2 victory at Atherton Collieries was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday night.
Incidentally, it was Mossley’s 3-3 draw at Silsden AFC in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup which forced Bradford’s season opener against the latter to be postponed, making way for a replay. Mossley prevailed 2-0 in the second meeting to book their place in the Preliminary Round and set up Saturday’s clash with the Avenue.
The Green Army will be hoping for a repeat of their last encounter with Mossley AFC. The two sides met at the Horsfall Community Stadium in last season’s Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, with Bradford emerging victorious courtesy of a Marcus Carver goal in a 1-0 victory.
With both sides looking to continue their FA Cup journey, Saturday’s Preliminary Round tie promises to be another intriguing encounter between two teams who have already enjoyed positive starts to the new campaign. The Avenue will be hoping to draw on last season’s victory over the Lilywhites and maintain their winning momentum, as they look to book their place in the next round and progress further in this season’s competition.
Match preview by Ste Grimshaw
Information for travelling fans:
Seel Park
Market Street
Mossley
Lancashire
OL5 OES
Exit M60 J23 following A635 Ashton-under-Lyne, then A670 to Mossley. After approximately 2.5 miles drop down the hill into Mossley town centre. Passing the supermarket on the left, turn right before the traffic lights. Continue up the hill and turn left onto Market Street. The ground is approximately 200 yards on the left.
Match coverage:
Due to limited volunteers, who have pre-booked holidays before joining the team, we will have limited coverage of the fixture. The best way to keep in touch, is to tune into AvenueOnAir and listen to full match commentary from 2.50pm.