By Nathan Atkinson (Telegraph & Argus)
BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have reached the Northern Premier League East Division play-off final after a stunning 2-1 win at Matlock Town last night.
Matlock entered the semi-final as favourites, having finished the regular season in second place, 13 points ahead of fifth-placed Avenue. That league standing granted them home advantage, but they would have been wary of their visitors. The two sides drew 0-0 in Derbyshire on the opening day, while a Ben Andreucci brace had given Avenue a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture at Horsfall.
History repeated itself as Andreucci proved to be the slayer once again, thundering home a late winner from the edge of the box to spark scenes of pure jubilation among the traveling Green Army.
After a cagey start, Avenue hit the front with a lovely team goal. Following some patient build-up play, Connor Brown clipped a smart ball in behind the defender for Prince Ekpolo to run on to. Ekpolo, who played a massive hand in the winner at Ossett on Saturday, provided the crucial assist again, cutting the ball back for prolific centre-forward Marcus Carver, who swept the finish into the roof of the net.
Matlock were perhaps the stronger side in the first half and found a deserved equaliser just moments before the interval. After winning a penalty, Cam Wilson held his nerve to slot the ball into the bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Avenue keeper Jack Hall.
Avenue managed to frustrate Matlock throughout the second half before delivering the ultimate blow five minutes from time. Josh Ashman, who spent much of the season away on loan, played a lovely long ball down the line for fellow substitute Adam Haw.
Haw did brilliantly to scamper onto the pass and keep it in play, cutting the ball back to the edge of the box from the right wing. Ben Andreucci took a touch to set himself before unleashing a fizzing low strike past a startled Declan Lambton, who was simply beaten by the pace of the shot.
This time, Matlock had no response. While the majority of the 1,268 crowd went home devastated, the full-time whistle brought an explosion of joy for the Avenue faithful.
It stands as one of the great nights in the club’s modern history, but the mission is not yet complete. Avenue now look ahead to Saturday’s all-West Yorkshire final at Emley, who secured their place by beating Dunston 1-0 in the other semi-final.
A huge thank you to the travelling fans who made the trip last night. You truly were our 12th man. We need that same energy one last time this weekend.
See you on Saturday. 🟢⚪️