After the cancellation of our away game with Hereford this weekend, we are pleased to announce that we have arranged to play the game on Tuesday the 27th of October with a 7.45pm kick off.
Streaming details will be given nearer the time.
#UTA
First team player test positive for Covid
After taking a Covid test, one of the first team squad has seen the results come back positive.
After consultation with the clubs medical officer and also the National League, we have been instructed to isolate the squad with immediate effect in line with current government protocols and guidance. The players have been instructed to remain in isolation for a period of 2 weeks. In line with advice, the other clubs that may be effected, have been notified and the clubs Covid officer is following our protocols and notifying the government track and trace agency.
Sadly this means that our next game with Hereford has been postponed and we are awaiting the National League’s details for it’s rearrangement.
Our hope is that the player doesn’t have any complications and the rest of the squad remain healthy.
As we have further news we will keep you updated.
#UTA
On the opening day of the Vanarama National League North season, the Avenue fell to a narrow defeat to Gateshead FC at the Horsfall Stadium.
The Avenue took a deserved lead thanks to Adam Nowakowski. A lovely cross from debutant Jordan Windass was met by the makeshift striker who nodded against the bar, only to smash home the rebound from five yards.
The lead lasted only six minutes as a well-worked Gateshead FC move saw Danny Greenfield drill a cross into the box which was guided into the bottom corner by Jordan Preston from close range.
After the restart, the visitors took the lead and held onto it for the rest of the game as a Jake Hibbs own goal flew past Dan Atkinson from close range
Like the weekend, the Avenue were bright, trying to work the ball quickly from back to front, helped by a masterclass from Nicky Clee in the middle of the park.
Two early efforts from Brad Dockerty and Lewis Knight called the Heed goalkeeper James Montgomery into some early action, but the opposition number one was alert to deny both efforts from 16 yards.
An element of the game from Saturday which frustrated Mark Bower was giving away possession too easily and the Avenue could’ve been punished by Dan Ward and Preston, but both efforts flew over Dan Atkinson’s goal from distance.
Then, the Avenue, playing with confidence and plenty of zip in their play broke the deadlock. Windass pushed forward and crossed the ball to Nowakowski who flicked the ball with his head against the woodwork. Fortunately, the ball fell back to his feet and fired the ball past Montgomery.
The lead didn’t last long as Mike Williamson’s side worked the ball down the right wing and Greenfield fizzed a low cross towards Preston who smartly headed the ball past Atkinson from ten yards.
With half-time approaching, the men in green and white nearly regained their advantage, but Mark Ross’ header from Clee’s corner was cleared off the line.
After the break, Bradford could’ve scored a crucial second goal but Isaac Marriott’s lovely strike from 20 yards brushed past the post.
Despite enjoying some good possession, the Avenue conceded from a corner in consecutive games. A teasing delivery from Greg Olley was met by Ward and the ball bounced off Hibbs and into the back of the net
The Heed held on, producing a professional finish to the game, despite a late penalty shout from the Avenue dugout for a foul on Hibbs. The only opportunity for the hosts to equalise came into added time when substitute Tabish Hussain laid the ball into the path of Marriott, but the midfielder’s curling effort flew over the bar.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Windass, Downing (Johnson 78), Marriott, Ross, Lund, Knight (Hussain 69), Hibbs, Nowakowski, Dockerty, Clee (c) (Bradley 88).
Subs not used: Fawcett, Lyons.
Goals: Nowakowski (27)
Gateshead FC: Montgomery, Nicholson, Smith, Greenfield, Cooper, Griffiths, Ward (Langstaff 76), Hunter, Deverdics (c), Olley, Preston (Keating 80).
Subs not used: Dale, O’Donnell, Male.
Goals: Preston (33), Hibbs own goal (60)
Attendance: Behind-closed-doors
Urgent update for season ticket holders and Live streaming
Hello all of our season ticket holders, due to a technical issue at our live streaming partners you unique log in and user number maybe delayed or not arrive in time for tonight’s game.
Rather than allow all viewers stream the game for free, we would ask you to help us support the club by purchasing a stream for tonight’s game and we will immediately refund the monies to you tomorrow.
Hopefully they will arrive in time.
Free Stream – Season Ticket Holders
If you are expecting an email today with your logon details we have a few pointers.
You will receive an email like the one below,
Once you have received this, please use the link https://insight4.azurewebsites.net/stream/UHVFaERu
This will take you to the login page, please login using the details in the email, and access the game for free!
The email will look like this
Bradford (Park Avenue) Live Stream vs Gateshead
We are delighted to announce details for tonight’s live game.
Gateshead are the first visitors in the National League North 2020/21 season, and we have it covered for you.
The dream team of Mick ‘Game Caller’ Gledhill, and cameraman Nkosana are back to make sure you don’t miss out on what promises to be a good game.
Catch the action, for just £5.00, live here on https://insight4.azurewebsites.net/stream/UHVFaERu
A note to season ticket holders;
You will today be receiving your unique account login details, to the email address you supplied when you bought your ticket. Remember to keep an eye on your junk/spam inboxes, in the unlikely event that it lands there!
Coverage starts from 7:35 ready for the 7:45 KO
#2020Vision
#UTA
Three late goals from Spennymoor Town condemned Bradford (Park Avenue) to a defeat in The Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying.
The hosts opened the scoring with a superb finish from Lewis Knight before the break. Despite hanging on for an extra 40 minutes, the Avenue conceded two goals in two minutes from Glen Taylor and Stephen Thompson. Into additional time, Taylor converted a penalty to give Jason Ainsley’s side the victory.
The Avenue, wearing their new white kit with green trim, familiar to the 3G surface, were playing some lovely one-touch stuff. Knight, leading the line, was causing plenty of problems for Nathan Buddle and Jordan Boon, playing off the shoulder but he was flagged offside a couple of times.
The first effort fell to Rob Ramshaw after receiving a pass from Taylor, but the number ten dragged his shot wide from 20 yards.
The home side had to thank Dan Atkinson with a superb save with his feet from Mark Anderson from outside the box, following a quick counter-attack.
Then, the Avenue broke the deadlock. Former Spennymoor Town midfielder Jake Hibbs threaded a lovely ball into the path of Knight, and after composing himself, the striker slotted home from 18 yards
Buoyed by taking the lead, Mark Bower’s side were showing some confidence, matching their opponents across the park, with Dockerty and Knight making the most of some excellent midfielder play from Nicky Clee and Isaac Marriott.
Just before the half-time whistle, Spennymoor Town were awarded a penalty as Adam Nowakowski brought down Kennedy inside the box. The striker stepped up and fired his effort over the bar from the spot.
Following the introduction of former Avenue man Jamie Spencer, the visitors dominated the second half from start to finish.
Yet again, Atkinson was called into action and produced a stunning save from close range as Jason Kennedy struck a powerful strike towards goal.
The Avenue, not helped by the withdrawal of Clee, struggled to get out of their own half as the men in yellow and blue pushed numbers forward. They were rewarded with their attacking threat when Spencer was fouled by Luca Havern in the area.
Taylor grabbed the ball and struck his shot low but Atkinson guessed the same way and held onto the ball.
Both Dockerty and Marriott left the pitch forcing the Avenue into using all of their substitutions.
Eventually, the pressure was too much for the hosts as Stephen Thompson’s corner was met by Taylor to nod the ball inside the near post.
From the restart, the Avenue lost possession and Ben McKenna sprinted 60 yards before finding Thompson, who slotted the ball past Atkinson from 12 yards.
With plenty to do and losing Luca Havern, the Avenue couldn’t trouble Dale Eve in the Spennymoor goal. Into added time, the away side were awarded a third penalty of the afternoon and this time, Taylor smashed the ball down the middle to give the side from Brewery Field the win.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Downing, Marriott (Windass 72), Havern (c), Lund, Knight, Hibbs, Nowakowski, Dockerty (Johnson 66), Clee (Bradley 59).
Subs not used: Fawcett, Hussain, Henderson, Lyons.
Goals: Knight (32)
Yellow: Marriott (23)
Spennymoor Town: Eve, Hornby-Forbes, Blakeman (Spencer 45), Kennedy, Buddle, Boon, Thompson (Hall 85), Anderson, Taylor (c), Ramshaw, McKenna
Subs not used: Norton, Moke.
Goals: Taylor (79, 90+2), Thompson (80)
Yellow: Anderson (37)
Referee: Dean Watson
Attendance: Behind-closed-doors
Update regarding today’s stream
Due to the adverse weather conditions at the Horsfall today, we have unfortunately had to make the decision to bring the camera back inside the pavilion for the stream.
We appreciate that this will cause some viewing issues, with the nearside corners obstructed and it is the last thing we wanted to do, please accept our apologies for this. We did plan to have the camera in a new location for today, having tested it again this morning, the camera lens is filling with water and you are unable to see properly.
As a result, we have decided to reduce the price for the game to £3.00 and hope that you will still be able to join us as we embark on another season!
A reminder of the link you will need;
Talented Academy youngster signs for the first team
Yesterday 16 year old goalkeeper Jacob Fawcett signed his first professional football contract with the Avenue. Fawcett whom has been training with the first team for a couple of years has impressed in pre-season, so much so, that manager Mark Bower has moved to sign Fawcett and make him available for todays FA Cup and the upcoming National League North season.
The club are delighted that we have signed another player from our academy as this demonstrates our belief in the fundamentals we are putting in place and that there is a clear path to the first team for student athletes with the talent and dedication needed to be successful in the professional game.
Jacob Fawcett –
‘I’m very grateful to the club for signing me at such a young age. I started training with the 1st team at 14 and want to thank Mark and Danny for giving me this opportunity to train and develop over the last couple of years. I’m excited to see where my future will go with BPA’
Thomas McStravick – Academy Manager
‘I’m delighted for Jacob and his family who put so much time and effort into supporting him on his footballing journey. Jacob is a hard working and polite young man who has got plenty of talent. Like every young player he still has lots to learn and improve on, but we will help him and do all we possibly can to help him achieve his potential’
Mark Bower – Manager
‘Jacob has trained with us over the last couple of years working with the senior goalkeepers. He is highly talented young player and we are delighted that he sees his future at the club. His attitude and work ethic have really impressed us and he is surrounded by a supportive family who have guided him well’
Jacob has made the match day squad for todays live streamed FA Cup tie against Spennymoor town, why not tune in to watch.
#UTA
Club statement on the start of season 20/21
Following the news that the 2020/21 National League North season will commence as planned next week without supporters in attendance, Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that we will be able to compete in the competition and complete the full season.
Gareth Roberts, Chairman –
‘Its great news that the new season is going to go ahead and we are delighted for all of our staff, fans and players that we will be watching some competitive football on the new pitch and renovated ground.
Whilst still not confirmed in any detail, the government announcement in conjunction with the National League that some funding will come to help cover the loss of match day revenue, our decision to try and play our games is only possible due to the huge efforts of everyone involved including the staff, players and many others behind the scenes to numerous to mention. I am sure that our fans will join me in sending a big thank you to all concerned’
The ruling that we are an elite team we know has driven some heated debate on social media and whilst we enjoy the conversations the reality is, for the time being, we are designated as an elite sports club and therefore must begin the game behind closed doors.
The club has worked incredibly hard over the last few weeks to create a viable live streaming option, which will provide good quality live video coverage of all of the Avenues home matches this season. We want to make the viewing available of the exciting young squad Mark and Danny have put together, at a price that makes watching affordable to as many of our fans as possible, whilst balancing that with our need for revenue to pay our financial commitments and complete the season.
Season ticket holders have paid on average £5.60 per game to purchase their ticket. Whilst try to find the right streaming price during the course of the season we will be launching the streaming service at a price of £5 per game
We therefore want to offer our season ticket holders one of the following
Holders have three options:
- Use their season ticket as a season pass to the streaming service and stream every home National League North game for free at no extra cost
- Request a refund on the value of their season ticket
- Defer the season ticket until next season
Of course if the you choose the option to use your season ticket to view the live streamed games, as soon as we are allowed to let fans back into the ground you will still be able to do so using your season ticket. We will be sending out after the FA Cup match on Saturday to all the season ticket holders their unique logins and passwords for use on the streaming platform.
We are of course tight for time and we know some of our fans didn’t buy their tickets online and will need time to consider their options, so we plan to set a deadline of Friday the 16th of October just before our 2nd home game of the season against Boston United. Details of how to claim a refund will follow. In the meantime if you know what you would like to do please email calum.cullen@BPAFC so that we can start the process for you all.
We will also be opening the club house to a limited number of guests for each of our home games. There will be table service from the bar and the game will be live streamed onto the big screen. Please note that you will be required for Covid compliance to arrive 1 hour before the kick off, and that the doors out into the ground will remain locked. These tickets will go on general sale at a price of £5 per person prior to the games, this weekends FA Cup game and Mondays NLN match will go on sale from 12 noon today on our website.