Bradford (Park Avenue) can tonight confirm Goalkeeper Steven Drench has left the club on a permanent transfer to Altrincham FC.
Match Preview: Boston United vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to end 2018 on a high by extending their unbeaten league run to a staggering 11 games.
Mark Bower’s side have continued to defy the odds throughout December and put West Yorkshire rivals Guiseley to the sword in emphatic fashion on Boxing Day. The table-toppers are now three points ahead of 2nd-placed Chorley, who will be making the trip to Curzon Ashton.
Today’s opponents, Boston United, occupy 11th place in the Vanarama National League North and are five points adrift of the final play-off spot. They suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Alfreton Town at the Jakemans Stadium on Wednesday but will be hoping to bounce back with a win over the league leaders.
The two sides clashed back in August and Bradford came out on top, sealing a 1-0 win after Oli Johnson converted a first-half penalty. Mark Bower’s side were also victorious on their last trip to the Jakemans Stadium, overturning a 1-0 deficit to clinch a 2-1 win in April 2018.
GUIDE TO THE OPPOSITION:
The Gaffer:
Craig Elliott
Elliott took over as manager of Boston in November 2017, joining from Shaw Lane. He had guided his previous employers to three promotions in four seasons and was subsequently handed the reigns at the Jakemans Stadium following Adam Murray’s departure. He has also enjoyed spells in charge of Glasshoughton Welfare and Ossett Town.
One To Watch:
Nicky Walker
The 24-year-old played under Craig Elliott at Shaw Lane and was reunited with his former boss when he signed for the Pilgrims. A gifted winger, Walker ascended the ranks of Rotherham United’s academy and represented Barrow in a loan stint whilst on the Millers’ books. He is currently enjoying his second spell at Boston having also plied his trade at the Jakemans Stadium during the 2015/16 campaign.
The Soccer Store Donate Football Goals The Horsfall College of Sport.
The Soccer Store have donated two Samba Football Goals to Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Horsfall College of Sport. The goal posts will be used in training sessions at the College.
The donation coincides with the current recruitment campaign in which the college is inviting applications from male and female students (16-18 year olds) who are interested in a career in the sports industry; the college is open to all students with an interest in Football. Students will study for a BTEC Level 2 or 3 dependent on their academic qualifications, for further information please contact – info@horsfallcollege.com
Jack hart from The Soccer Store said
“It is great to get involved with Bradford (Park Avenue) who place such importance on youth football and football in the community. We know that away from the Premier League every penny counts in the running of football clubs and their academies and hope the two Samba football goals will help out.”
Alex Meechan of Horsfall College of Sport said
“We really appreciate this support from The Soccer Store in supplying these goals. Our students are doing a great job completing their studies and are developing well on the pitch with some good results recently. These goals will be used at our training sessions and we encourage any parents of boys or girls looking at post 16 study options to get in touch at this important time and come and discuss about what we can offer. It’s a very exciting time here at Horsfall with the Bradford (Park Avenue) first team sitting on top of the league and a real buzz around our loyal supporters, The Soccer Store have chosen a great time to get behind the club “
The Soccer Store is the leading online supplier of Samba Portable Goal Posts, which are used by Pro and Amateur clubs as well a young aspiring footballers in their own back gardens. They also supply an extensive range of football training equipment, match day equipment and footballs. You can visit their website to check out their full range of football goals
For further information about the Horsfall College of Sport please contact:
Alex Meechan – meeks80@tiscali.com or 07967376958
Tally Clayton – natalie-clayton@live.com or 07772651700
Table Toppers Topple Ashton
Bradford (Park Avenue) staged a late comeback to clinch a stunning victory over Ashton United.
The hosts suffered an early setback when Bradley Jackson wriggled away from his marker and rifled past Steven Drench.
Bradford looked to respond swiftly but Jake Beesley headed wide after connecting with Ben McKenna’s delivery from the left.
A neat exchange between Matt Hill and Bradley Jackson freed the latter but his cross wasn’t capitalised upon by the on-rushing Ashton attackers.
It didn’t take long for the Robins to double their lead and send the travelling supporters into a frenzy. The outstretched glove of Drench touched Liam Martin’s effort, but he couldn’t prevent the ball nestling in the bottom corner.
An opportunity fell Jamie Spencer’s way after he burst into the box but the midfielder struck into the midriff of Ashton stopper Pilling.
Drench couldn’t keep Martin’s shot out, but he did deny Liam Tomsett, producing a spectacular save to thwart him at point blank range.
Drench had to be alert again as half-time approached, scrambling across his line to hold Matthew Regan’s flicked header.
HALF-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-2 Ashton United
Bradford started the brightest after the interval but Nicky Clee’s cross was intercepted after he weaved his way past three defenders.
The makeshift left-back also drilled a free-kick into the wall before McKenna’s follow-up was held by Pilling.
The former occupant of the left-back position at the Horsfall Stadium, Hill, then tried his own luck but fired into a sea of bodies.
Bradford eventually made a breakthrough when Alex Hurst teed up Lewis Knight, allowing the forward to rifle past Pilling from distance and reduce the deficit.
An equaliser followed almost immediately as the ball fell to Shane Killock inside the box and the captain steered into the bottom corner.
A shellshocked Ashton backline were carved open again in stoppage time and Killock netted his second to clinch victory.
FULL-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-2 Ashton United
Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Clee, Wroe (Lowe 45’), Killock (c), Havern, Spencer (Nowakowski 71’), Branson, Beesley, McKenna, (Hurst 71′), Knight.
Unused substitutes: Toulson, Atkinson.
Ashton United: Pilling, Lees (c) (Casian-Anghel 90+3’), Hill (Crowther 90+3’), Ashworth, Chalmers, Sheridan, Jackson, Regan, Martin, Tomsett (Kay 78′), Askew.
Unused substitutes: Howarth, Roberts.
Referee: Michael Barlow
Attendance: 474
Altrincham FC Away Travel
The club are looking at running a supporters coach to Altrincham FC Saturday 24th November. Seats cost £12 for adults and £6 for under 16’s and pick up times are still to be confirmed.
To book your seat please see Neil Fawcett at the supporters information desk in the clubhouse or contact him on 07811959003.
Players Fund Update
Club shop Manager and fundraiser Dave Stordy would like to provide the following update to supporters on the progress of this seasons players fund.
Our supporters players fund, which due to a couple of substantial donations, has now risen to over £5,110, thanks to all those who have contributed so far. As the majority of you will be aware the fund was started to help Mark and his management team compete with some of our wealthier rivals by possibly bringing in couple of additional signings, be they permanent or loans.
Whilst we have not set any targets I would at this stage like to propose we target to reach the end of the year with the target of £10k. To achieve this I’m suggesting that if say 250 of our regular fans could commit to paying £10 each in the months of November and December then that would see us reach that target to enable Mark to hopefully make a couple of new signings to help our promotion push. I know not everyone might be able to afford this but those that can will you please consider making the donations.
Donations can be made in cash in the club shop on match days, cheque or by bank transfer, if you wish to use the latter methods please contact me on 01274 512989 or email davestordy@hotmail.co.uk and I will give instructions on how to make your donation.
Thanks for all your support.
Dave Stordy
Let’s Be Avenue – Walk Through Time!!
Jayne Spencer, Community Manager and Mark Duffy, Community Sports coach will undertake their first official sponsored walk on the 16th & 17th November 2018 to raise funds for our newly created charity ‘THE HORSFALL COMMUNITY TRUST’ who’s working delivery name is AVENUE IN THE COMMUNITY.
Our new community trust has been created to increase its reach and delivery of community based projects across Bradford and we are hoping that local stakeholders, businesses and volunteers will get behind us to make a real difference.
Over the last couple of years, the club have been working in partnership with J.A.M.E.S, a local Bradford charity to deliver a range of community projects.
Our successful projects include attending community events/galas, after school clubs, ball boy/girl programme, Holiday clubs, Parents on the Ball programme, youth groups, Man VS FAT football, and outreach football sessions, including homeless football competitions, at community venues across South Bradford.
The National League Trust (NLT) provide funding for our community sports coach and as a result of setting up the charity, this will increase opportunities to apply for further funding for further coaching support staff. With NLT support we will be running (for the third year) our U11s 6-aside boys and girls football tournament, and we are hoping to apply for the Premier League Primary stars programme and other funding streams, to especially target inactive school children and young people in the district
The gruelling 30-mile walk will start at 10.30 on the morning of Friday 16th November 2018 at our current home at Horsfall Stadium but will also visit our former Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC football homes and return to Horsfall Stadium on Saturday 17th November 2018 in time for our game vs Ashton FC with a 3pm KO.
Our route will START from Horsfall Stadium to Horton Park to Campion FC to Bramley RLFC to Batley RLFC and FINISH back at Horsfall Stadium.
Jayne Spencer, Community Manager said
‘We are looking forward to undertaking this challenge to raise funds for our new community trust. Our aim is to make a difference to the lives of people living within our local community. We hope we can get lots of people on route saying hello and possibly some fans walking / greeting us on route’.
Robert Clunas, Chair of Trustees said
“The Horsfall Community Trust have recently attained charity status and this is the first major sponsored event we have organised in celebration. I would like to thank Jayne and Mark, and our volunteers for their commitment to the Trust and our objectives, and for delivering a host of different community based projects and activities across the past year, and especially for organising this challenging sponsored walk who’s theme we hope will appeal to all our loyal BPA fans old and new. All monies raised during this special event will be used within the charity to deliver more deserving community programmes across the coming twelve months…”
The team have gained support from their first sponsor, XBM but they are keen to hear from local businesses who wish to support the team in any way they can..
Donations can also be made through our Local giving page at www.localgiving.org called Horsfall Community Trust.
For further information please contact Jayne Spencer – Community Manager on Jayne.spencer@bapfc.com or 0780701194.
Vanarama National League North – October Manager & Player Of The Month
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- MANAGER OF THE MONTH
Phil Parkinson (Altrincham)
As a Sports Science lecturer, Phil Parkinson knows it’s not just about someone’s strength of character – it’s their strength of mind, too. After a September which saw Altrincham defeated in three of their four National League North games, the Robins boss and his players certainly summoned something from within. October was a totally different story as four wins from five cast aside concerns after re-joining the division following on from their Step Three title success. Victories in the league against Nuneaton Borough, Alfreton Town and Ashton United were supplemented nicely by FA Cup success against Bradford (Park Avenue) – even if they did fall short in the following round at Stockport County. They are now only a win away from a play-off place as Alty attempt to make it back-to-back promotions. Ambitious? Well, Parkinson is all about the power of positivity.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Gary Roberts (Chester)
Chester have looked unstoppable in October and it was no small part down to the exceptional performances of Gary Roberts. The influential midfielder more than played his part as the Blues continued their march to the upper echelons of the National League North. The 31-year-old helped his side to maximum points in their three league games against the likes of Ashton United, Hereford and Alfreton Town. He almost single-handedly took all three points for the Blues against Alfreton – scoring a superb hat-trick, with the third of his goals coming in the dying seconds to snatch victory at the Swansway. That continued a barnstorming run that stretches back to the beginning of September in the league and after a shaky start, Chester and Roberts find themselves within one point of Chorley at the summit.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Bradley Saxton (York City)
Bradley Saxton has won Volunteer of the Month for York City in the National League North. The 19-year-old is a proud supporter of the club and has volunteered in the shop for some time. He is always willing to help out wherever he can, even becoming ‘Yorkie The Lion’ at a recent Open Day. In October, he excelled himself with his contribution to a special evening organised by the club for its supporters ‘Question of City Sport’. This was not only Bradley’s idea, but he spent many hours of his time preparing for the event, drafted all the questions, prepared and edited videos for ‘Mystery Guests’ and ‘What Happened Next?’ and looked after the technology on the night. Hosted by a former player, Jon Parkin and featuring teams of players and supporters, the event raised vital money for the club’s Academy and Foundation.
Altrincham Away In Third Qualifying Round Of The Buildbase FA Trophy
Bradford (Park Avenue) will travel to Altrincham in the Third Qualifying Round of The Buildbase FA Trophy.
The tie will take place on Saturday 24th November 2018, after the draw which took place this lunchtime.
The full draw can be seen in full below.
1 Altrincham v Bradford (Park Avenue)
2 Blyth Spartans v Marske United
3 Alfreton Town v Farsley Celtic or Carlton Town
4 Spennymoor Town v Halesowen Town
5 Stamford v Barwell
6 Hereford v FC United of Manchester
7 Brackley Town v Nuneaton Borough
8 Stratford Town or Mickleover Sports v South Shields
9 Kidderminster Harriers v York City
10 Southport v Chester
11 Leamington v Witton Albion
12 Darlington v AFC Telford United
13 Ashton United v Boston United
14 AFC Mansfield or Pickering Town v Yaxley or Ramsbottom United
15 Basford United v Curzon Ashton
16 Lancaster City v Guiseley
17 Stockport County v Chorley
18 Stalybridge Celtic or Buxton v Newcastle Town or Workington
19 Lewes v Hemel Hempstead Town
20 Chipstead or Bedford Town v Worthing
21 Salisbury v East Thurrock United
22 Dorchester Town v Hungerford Town
23 Slough Town v Weston Super Mare
24 Brentwood Town or Poole Town v Dorking Wanderers
25 Weymouth or Street v St Albans City
26 Concord Rangers v Wealdstone
27 Truro City v Greenwich Borough
28 Chippenham Town v Wingate & Finchley
29 Beaconsfield Town v Leiston
30 Hampton & Richmond Borough v Billericay Town
31 Eastbourne Borough v Dartford
32 Welling United v Dulwich Hamlet
33 Woking v Folkestone Invicta
34 Basingstoke Town v Torquay United
35 Carshalton Athletic v Walton Casuals
36 Royston Town v Needham Market
37 Hayes & Yeading United v Brightlingsea Regent
38 Gloucester City v Biggleswade Town
39 Horsham v Bath City
40 Oxford City v Chelmsford City
Bradford Held By Curzon Ashton
Bradford (Park Avenue) claimed top spot in the Vanarama National League North despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Curzon Ashton.
The hosts were the first to try their luck, but Connor Hughes sent his long-range effort wide of the post.
They were then given a scare when Jamie Spencer threaded through to Jake Beesley, but the forward miscued his attempt to slide the ball into the path of Oli Johnson.
Supporters eventually saw a shot find the target when Curzon registered the first of the afternoon. Hughes wriggled away from Mark Ross and made an incisive dart into the box but fired into the midriff of Drench.
Bradford made an early substitution in the twelfth minute, introducing former Curzon winger Ben McKenna to the action in place of Johnson.
Lewis Knight received his first opportunity of the game when Conor Branson headed into his path, but his volley looped into the clutches of Nash stopper Cameron Mason.
The most clear-cut chances of the half both fell to Curzon frontman Niall Cummins, who failed to convert on two occasions.
He went one-on-one with Drench after latching on to a long punt but failed to find either side of the goalkeeper. A misdirected header from Nicky Clee then fell at his feet but he poked wide under pressure from a recovering Gianluca Havern.
Nicky Wroe found Beesley with a corner delivery, but the two sides headed into the break level after the forward directed his effort into a sea of bodies.
HALF-TIME: Curzon Ashton 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)
Bradford made a quick start to the second-half, carving Curzon open with two neat exchanges between Spencer and Knight.
McKenna then saw a shot blocked by Mason Fawns after being teed up by Beesley.
Wroe pulled the trigger from distance and came within a whisker of finding the top corner, seeing his effort narrowly rise over the woodwork.
The deadlock was eventually broken when Beesley connected with a free-kick delivery from Knight and directed a header past a helpless Mason.
Curzon, however, were back on level terms just four minutes later when Crankshaw latched on to Ryan Brooke’s pass and poked past Drench.
With the wind in their sails, the hosts began to pile bodies forward and Hughes was unlucky to see his strike from the left-hand side fly wide.
The affair became a cagey one as it progressed into its latter stages and neither side could find the spark required to unlock the opposition’s defence.
With three minutes remaining on the clock, chaos descended on the Tameside Stadium as all 22 players and staff came to blows. Bradford’s coaching staff and players alike were infuriated to see a foul on Spencer go unpunished and Curzon were incensed when the midfielder reacted by fouling Daniel Morton. Shane Killock, Spencer and Morton were all booked for their involvement in the fracas.
FULL-TIME: Curzon Ashton 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)
Curzon Ashton: Mason, Rowney, Fawns, Hunt (c), Morton, O’Leary, Crankshaw (Wall 90+5′), Ali, Cummins, Brooke, Hughes (Khoury 75′).
Unused substitutes: Merrill, Muir, Boyles.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Clee, Wroe (Hurst 69′), Killock (c), Havern, Spencer, Branson, Beesley, Johnson (McKenna 12’), Knight.
Unused substitutes: Toulson, Atkinson, Nowakowski.
Referee: Adam Herczog