After discussions between Boston United and with the permission of the National League our home game with Boston has been arranged for Monday the 11th of January at 7.45pm.
Let’s hope that we might be able to have fans in the stadium to watch all the action by then.
The Bucks opened the scoring as possession was given away by Mark Ross and the ball ended at the feet of Dominic McHale who fired home from 18 yards. The winger scored his second, quickly after the break, with an excellent strike from 20 yards before Lewis Knight’s goal set up a nervy finish.
In a cautious start to the game, there were few chances for both teams. The visitors enjoyed some early ball but were unable to trouble Dan Atkinson in the Bradford goal, despite McHale blasting over from 14 yards.
The Avenue should’ve done better with two opportunities at goal.
Nicky Clee was enjoying some early success in the centre of park and after running towards the touchline, he crossed the ball to Adam Nowakowski, but the number nine nodded wide from 12 yards.
Minutes later, Isaac Marriott turned inside his marker in the box, but with Nowakowski unmarked to his left, the midfielder dragged his left-footed effort wide from 12 yards.
And the Bucks made the most of that missed chance to break the deadlock. Throughout the first 45, the Avenue were giving away some cheap possession on several occasions and as Ross lost it down the right wing, a pass was played to McHale who was clinical and struck a powerful strike into the bottom corner.
A couple of minutes after half time, McHale doubled his side’s advantage as the Avenue cleared the ball to the winger, and his excellent left-footed effort was too quick for Atkinson from 25 yards.
The Bucks midfielder Andy Bond, who was cautioned in the first half, received his second yellow card after tripping Nicky Clee inside the centre-circle.
Both teams had appeals for a penalty but referee David McNamara waved away the protests before Bradford reduced the deficit.
Brad Dockerty found plenty of space down the left wing and the winger pulled the ball back to Knight who miss hit his left-footed strike but the ball found the back of the net from close range.
But the Bucks defended well, allowing the Avenue possession inside their own half but dealt well with any danger.
The only chance that nearly saw the hosts equalise was from Dockerty into added on time. The winger ran across the edge of the box and after seeing the goal, he curled a right-footed effort just wide of the post .
Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross (Sanyang 86), Boyes, Marriott, Lund, Havern (c) (Ibrian 55), Knight, Hibbs, Nowakowski (Toulson 46), Dockerty, Clee.
Subs not used: Windass, Downing.
Goal: Knight (68)
AFC Telford United: Griffiths, Vaughan, Streete, Byrne (Davies 46), Lilly, Jones, Hardy (White 81), Walker, Bond, Oswell, McHale.
Subs not used: Barnes-Homer, Bower, Williams
Goal: McHale (26), (47)
Yellow cards: Bond, McHale
Referee: David McNamara
Attendance: Behind-closed-doors
We just wanted to give the fans a quick update on the serious head injury sustained by Mitch Lund during yesterday’s home game against Telford.
Mitch attended hospital yesterday evening, along with our physio Tally, to have an x-ray to find out the extent of the damage. The results show that Mitch has sustained multiple fractures of the area around his cheek and eye socket. The injuries are such that they will require an operation, which will take place tomorrow morning.
The whole club and squad would like to wish Mitch all the best for the operation, a speedy recovery and return to the first team as soon as possible. Good luck Mitch.
We will keep you updated with further information in due course.
Ion Ibrian, a 22 year old striker from Moldova has put pen to paper on a deal with the Avenue. Ibrian has played over 50 games in the Moldovan Premier League, one appearance in the Europa Cup and has represented Moldova at U17 and U19 level. Ion (pronounced Yon) plays as a central striker or can operate out wide on the left, utilising his gifted left foot. Ibrian recently moved to the UK from Moldova and has been training with the squad for the last few weeks, and has shown enough for Mark and Danny to sign him to see if he can be effective in the physical National League North and fill our much discussed and needed central striker position, that has been filled more than ably by our, £1 a week man, Nowakowski and Knight so far this season.
Ion Ibrian –
‘I am really happy to join Bradford PA, and i’m sure I can help the team in this championship. I think we will do our best to get higher up the table. I want to prove that I am a valuable player for the club’
Mark Bower –
‘Ion is a great finisher and has impressed us in training with an eye for goal. It is an area we are short in, so we look forward to working more with Ion to improve his all round game and try to make the most of his finishing ability’
#UTA
The visitors took the lead as Connor Woods beat his man and his cross was converted by Jordan Archer. Into the second half, it was Woods who doubled their advantage, catching Atkinson off his line from 30 yards.
It was the home side that dominated the early stages and could’ve taken an early advantage.
After good work from Nicky Clee and Adam Nowakowski, a loose ball was struck first time by midfielder Isaac Marriott from 20 yards which deflected wide.
After a penalty shout from the Avenue dugout for an alleged foul on Jake Hibbs, which was waved away by the referee, Nowakowski had two decent chances to break the deadlock.
A lovely cross from Harry Boyes was met by the number nine and, leaning back, Nowakowski nodded over from eight yards.
Shortly after, a back-pass to goalkeeper Daniel Hanford saw the No.1 make a mistake and Nowakowski was alert to the rebound, but Hanford recovered to make a save.
As the half went on, Liam Watson’s side were having success down their right wing with Woods and Matt Challoner striking up a good partnership and they were rewarded for their efforts.
Woods got behind his marker near the touchline and fizzed a low ball into the box. Archer got in front of his man to tap home from close range.
Into added time, the Avenue nearly equalised as Clee weaved his way through a gap, staying on his feet after an earlier challenge, but his delivery was flicked over by Hibbs from 14 yards.
After the break, a similar pattern of play continued as the visitors seemed content to allow Bradford have possession in their own half, as long, diagonal balls were failing to stick up front.
It was Southport FC who scored the next, vital, goal to seal victory. A long throw from Lewis Knight was nodded away and Woods was set free near the touchline. The winger spotted Atkinson off his line, and after the goalkeeper slipped on the surface, the ball looped over him and into the the net from 30 yards.
Despite making substitutions, Mark Bower’s side were finding it difficult to break down a stubborn and disciplined opponent. Despite a second yellow card for Matt Challoner, Southport FC restricted the Avenue, who didn’t trouble Hanford and in the end, eased to a victory in West Yorkshire.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Lund (Downing 84), Havern (c), Toulson (Sanyang 66), Hibbs, Nowakowski, Knight, Clee (Windass 78)
Subs not used: Huffer, L.Lyons
Yellow cards: Lund, Nowakowski, Marriott
Southport FC: Hanford, Oliver, Doyle, Benjamin ( Anson, Ali 72), Morgan, Woods (Vassallo 84), Challoner, Archer (Carver 79) Watson, Bainbridge.
Subs not used: McMillan, Winnard, Vassallo.
Goal: Archer (26), Woods (68)
Yellow cards: Challoner x2, Ali
Red: Challoner
Referee: Paul Cooper
Despite two tests earlier today we have run into a technical issue with the streaming for tonight’s game. We will be switching to FaceBook live as a free to air viewing solution.
For all those that have already purchased tonight’s game please except our humble apologies a full refund will be issued immediately.
Sorry
#UTA
The Avenue made a superb start as Lewis Knight curled an exquisite right-footed effort past Rhys Lovett from 25 yards.
Then, the hosts scored three quick goals as Akwasi Asante equalised, Matt McClure doubled their advantage two minutes later and Asante added a third from the spot.
Just before the break, Jake Hibbs pulled a goal back finding the top corner. And after the restart, Harry Boyes fired an unstoppable shot from 25 yards past Lovell before Jordan Windass gave Bradford the lead.
The hosts equalised thanks to Bernard Mensah who nodded home a cross from Kevin Dawson.
After Liam Daly hitting the post in the opening minute, the Avenue broke the deadlock as Nicky Clee took a quick corner kick to Knight. The striker took a look at goal, and, with his right-foot, found the top corner from 25 yards.
Then, James Rowe’s side showed their attacking quality and, as proven this season, when they get some momentum, they’re a difficult team to stop.
A long throw caused problems amongst the Avenue defence and after a reactive save from Dan Atkinson from McClure, the rebound was smashed home by Asante from close range.
A couple of minutes later, the Tigers took the lead. A deep cross from Gavin Gunning caught out Atkinson and at the far post, McClure was alert to tap home.
Five minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty as Windass was adjudged to have handballed in the area. From the penalty spot, Asante gave Atkinson no chance.
Despite conceding three quick goals, the Avenue looked dangerous on the attack and reduced the deficit. After Knight forced Lovett into a save, the Avenue made the most of confusion amongst the defence. Omar Sanyang took the ball around the goalkeeper and set up Hibbs, who took a couple of touches before firing the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.
Just before the half time whistle, and to the relief of the visitors, the linesman raised his flag as Ben Morgan found the back of the net from close range.
With Mark Bower still in the changing room, Boyes sprinted forward and after finding space near the left wing, the left-back unleashed a spectacular left-footed strike from 25 yards which flew past Lovell into the top corner.
The goals continued as the Avenue regained the lead. Clee worked his magic in the centre of the park and threaded the ball into the path of Windass, who drove forward, and drilled a stunning shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
As the rain got heavier and the wind swirling around the ground, both teams were still proving a threat.
The home side equalised as Boyes’ pass was intercepted in the centre circle and Dawson delivered a cross into the area which saw Mensah jump the highest to nod the ball past Atkinson from six yards.
With eight goals on the scoreboard, Mark Bower’s side pushed forward and again, Knight used his pace to get behind the defence. He laid the ball into the feet of Boyes, and the left-back was close to finding the roof of the net, but it brushed the bar from 14 yards.
As full time was approaching, Gloucester City nearly snatched a dramatic win. Dawson’s long range effort went wide from 25 yards and somehow, from in front of goal, they were denied by the quick reactions of Atkinson.
The Avenue immediately went on the counter attack. Substitute Adam Nowakowski paused and played a perfect pass towards Isaac Marriott, but was denied a shot on goal as an outstretched Gloucester City boot directed the ball towards goal, only for Lovett to produce a fine save at his far post.
Gloucester City: Lovett, Carline, Whittle (James 66) Gunning, Daly, Dawson, Thomas, Asante, McClure, Mensah, Morgan (O’Sullivan 79)
Subs not used: Robert, Bailey-Nicholls, King
Goals: Asante (15), (pen 23), McClure (17), Mensah (61)
Yellow cards: Morgan, James
Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Windass, Lund, Toulson, Hibbs, Sanyang (Nowakowski 84), Knight, Clee
Subs not used: Downing, Huffer, L.Lyons
Goals: Knight (6), Hibbs (32), Boyes (46), Windass (52)
Yellow cards: Boyes, Ross
Referee: Sam Mulhall
Attendance: Behind-closed-doors
Luke Lyons a Scottish youth international has put pen to paper on a deal with the Avenue as we continue to build our stable of young, hungry and talented players. The 188cm (6’ 2” for those of us who prefer old money) centre half has represented Scotland 4 times at u17 level and has been training with the club after his release from Leeds United. Lyons registration was completed a few hours before todays 5pm deadline and so will be available for selection in tomorrows away clash with table topping Gloucester City. You can see how Luke and the rest of the squad go against the free scoring Asante and McClure (12 goals between them so far this season) via the live streaming from GCAFC TV at http://Bit.do/gcafcbradfordpa
Luke Lyons –
‘Really happy to have signed for Bradford (Park Avenue). After a tough couple of years it feels good to be at a club with a great bunch of lads. Having known a few of them and how highly they spoke of the club, it was a no brainer to join. Cant wait to get going and am looking forward to the journey.’
Mark Bower –
‘Luke has been training with us now for a while and has shown the type of hunger and appetite which we know are needed to succeed in football. He’s got great athletic ability and that’s essential for a centre half and will learn a lot from the likes of Luca, Rossy and maybe even myself. Like a lot of the young lads we have around the club, Luke has bags of potential, and we hope that he and the others grab the opportunity of playing men’s football and push on up the pyramid.’
#UTA
Our game next week against Southport has been re-arranged for Tuesday 17th of November at 7.45pm. Originally scheduled for the Monday night, as all our mid-week home games are, the lockdown means that the requirement to keep Tuesdays free for the stadiums athletic club isn’t necessary. After discussions with both managers and club secretaries, the National League have agreed to the request to move the game to the Tuesday giving both squads an extra days recovery from Saturdays fixtures.
The floodlight repairs are well underway with a test being pencilled in for Thursday of this week.
There will be an update for this weekends game against current league leaders Gloucester City later in the week.
#UTA
Pacey attacking player Omar Sanyang will be available to Mark Bower and Danny Boshell for selection against our upcoming game against Alfreton. Right footed wide man Sanyang can play wide left or wide right and has had an extensive football education. From initially being spotted by Leeds United and then via Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, Doncaster Rovers Sanyang earned his first professional contract at Scunthorpe United.
With an unenvious injury list with our forward line up, Sanyang after impressing in training will have an immediate opportunity to go into the first team squad and show if his undoubted ability and pace, can translate itself onto the pitch during a competitive game, where it matter most.
Omar Sanyang –
‘I’ve worked continuously through lockdown with Scunthorpe United’s physiotherapist and Sport conditioning coaches helping me out with additional rehabilitation getting me fitter and sharp to maintain the professional high level standard. Moving forward I am even more hungrier and determined to get back to the top level. The opportunity shown to me by the gaffer is incredible and I hope I can help Bradford Park Avenue reach their goals, as well as entertaining fans by giving 100% every time get on the pitch.’
Danny Boshell –
‘We’ve had Omar in for a couple of weeks with us now and he has shown a great attitude and no small amount of ability and pace. He has shown us he has something about him and we would love for him to push on from here and show us more. Omar’s been around a few clubs now, knows what it means to be a professional footballer, which with these young players is crucial.’
You can watch and see if Omar makes his debut for the Avenue this Saturday vs Alfreton on our living streaming platform by following the link below.
https://streaming.insightfour.com/stream/dFdjSVBU
The action starts at 12.45 pm.
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