Photos from John Rhodes Photography and Eric Murphy Photography
Bradford (Park Avenue) closed out the opening month of the 2025/26 Northern Premier League East Division unbeaten, sitting top of the table with three wins and three draws from their opening six fixtures.
It has been a month that showcased both resilience and promise, with Craig Elliott’s side grinding out results against promotion contenders and finding momentum across a busy opening month.
Full August goals video available at the bottom of this article.
Matlock Town 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Saturday 9 August
The campaign began with a hard-fought point on the road against one of the division’s fancied sides. A disciplined display saw Avenue hold Matlock to a goalless draw at The Proctor Cars Stadium.
Marcus Carver almost stole the headlines with an audacious long-range effort, while at the other end Jack Hall remained largely untroubled. A competitive contest set the tone for Avenue’s defensive organisation, with Elliott praising his side’s structure and work rate.
Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-1 Emley – Tuesday 12 August
Horsfall hosted Avenue’s first home game, an entertaining clash with Emley. After falling behind to a fine strike from Laurence Sorhaindo, the hosts hit back immediately as Connor Shanks teed up Louie Chorlton for a composed equaliser.
Avenue dominated much of the second half, creating several chances and even striking the woodwork, but the match ended in chaos as Mark Beevers and Jameel Ible both saw red in a frantic finale. The point kept Avenue unbeaten, though suspensions loomed. Mark Beevers red card was later rescinded after a quick FA investigation.
Hallam 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Tuesday 19 August
A first-ever league visit to Sandygate, the world’s oldest football ground, produced another battling draw. Hallam started brightly and went ahead through Brandon Bradbury before missing a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot.
Avenue grew into the contest and levelled through a thunderous Prince Ekpolo strike from distance. Chances came at both ends in an open second half, but neither side could find the winner.
Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-1 Dunston UTS – Saturday 23 August
Victory finally arrived in style at Horsfall. Carver’s bullet header from a Winfield corner gave Avenue a deserved first-half lead, and Dunston were reduced to 10 men before the break.
The visitors briefly levelled through Jude Swailes, but Avenue responded immediately as Chorlton restored the advantage before turning provider for Winfield to add a third. A confident performance earned Elliott his first league win of the season.
Pontefract Collieries 0-3 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Monday 25 August
Momentum carried Avenue to back-to-back wins over the Bank Holiday weekend. Playing at Ossett United’s Ingfield ground, Avenue turned on the style in the second half.
Captain Beevers broke the deadlock with a header, before Winfield lashed in a brilliant second moments later. The winger was at it again late on, his free kick looping in to seal a commanding 3-0 victory.
Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-0 Ossett United – Friday 29 August
The month ended under the lights at Horsfall, with Avenue grinding out a third straight win. Carver struck the decisive goal, reacting quickest after Hassan-Smith’s low ball was parried into his path.
Though not the most fluent display, Avenue’s togetherness and defensive resolve saw them take maximum points and climb to the top of the table.
Manager’s Reflection
Speaking after the Ossett United victory, Elliott said:
“I don’t think it was the best game and I don’t think it’s the best we’ve played this year, but I don’t really care to be honest with you. They’re the wins that you look back on and enjoy throughout the season. We showed a lot of grit, determination and togetherness to grind out a 1-0 win against a team that make it hard for you.
I think it was us that had the better moments – Louie had a really strong game and got into good positions. In the end I’m just really happy to win the game, get a clean sheet, stay unbeaten and keep the positive vibe going at the club.
Three wins now in less than a week – you’ve got to be happy with that. I know how hard it is to win games in this league. Lots of teams give you different challenges, and there are different pitches to deal with away from home. To do that while carrying a few injuries too, it’s a lot of credit to the players. Hopefully they can now recover, get a good week of training in, and be ready for the next challenge.”
Watch all the goals from August below.
