Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Northern Premier League East Division action on Saturday with a long trip north to face Ashington at Woodhorn Lane.
Avenue head into the fixture sitting fifth in the league table and firmly in the play-off mix. With the sides around them tightly packed, every point remains vital, and Craig Elliott’s side will be keen to maintain momentum on the road.
Recent league form has been mixed but competitive. Avenue have taken points from four of their last six matches, most recently with a strong away win at Brighouse Town on New Year’s Day, before last weekends home match vs Matlock Town was postponed due to Storm Goretti freezing the Horsfall pitch.
Ashington currently sit 16th in the division and are working to pull clear of the lower end of the table. Their results have been inconsistent, but recent performances show they are capable of posing problems, particularly on home soil. Wins over Bishop Auckland, Ossett United, and Brighouse Town in recent weeks underline their ability to compete.
From an Avenue perspective, the league table highlights the importance of Saturday’s fixture. With several teams separated by only a handful of points in and around the play-off places, a positive result at Woodhorn Lane would be an important step in sustaining pressure on those above.
Ashington’s home record suggests they will be well-organised and competitive, while Avenue’s away form has generally been solid, setting the stage for a tight and hard-fought contest.
Match details
Ashington vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
Northern Premier League East Division
Saturday 17 January 2026
Kick-off: 3pm
Woodhorn Lane
Ashington, Northumberland
NE63 9FW