Bradford Park Avenue Sportsman Dinner
Bradford Park Avenue are looking forward to welcoming ex Leeds United and Scotland footballer Eddie Gray as guest speaker and comedian Jed Stone to our upcoming Sportsman Dinner.
The sportsman dinner will be held at the Midland Hotel Bradford on Friday 20th April 2018 at 19:30. We hope to have a number of ex players present at the evening from the 60/70’s as well as some ex players from the 90’s following the reformation of the club.
Tickets for the evening cost £35 per person and include a 3 course meal, corporate tables are also available. Tickets can be purchased from Dave Stordy in the Club Shop on match day or by contacting 01274 512989 / davestordy@hotmail.co.uk
We have also secured a concessionary Bed & Breakfast rate at The Midland Hotel for the evening – Prices are £40 single and £50 Twin/Double. These can be booked directly with the hotel, quoting that you’re attending the dinner to receive your discount!
Match Report: Boston United 1-2 Bradford Park Avenue
Boyes brace beats Boston
Adam Boyes notched his 18th league goal of the season with just minutes remaining to make it back-to-back wins for a reinvigorated Bradford Park Avenue.
He had grabbed his 17th in the first-half, cancelling out an early opener from Boston United captain Jordan Keane.
Mark Bower made one change to the side that saw off Leamington last week, drafting in midfielder Danny Boshell to replace Rob Atkinson after the defender was forced off during the victory over the Brakes.
The hosts made a dream start, taking the lead after just three minutes. They were awarded a free-kick in controversial circumstances after Jake Beesley was brought down outside the box, and Ashley Hemming’s delivery was met by the head of captain Jordan Keane. The defender glanced a header beyond the reach of Steven Drench to leave the visitors shell shocked.
Hemmings caused problems again with a cross shortly after, but his lofted delivery was headed clear by Matt Hill after the winger had escaped the challenge of Frank Mulhern.
Beesley advanced into the box before cutting-back to Brad Abbott but his through ball missed its target and rolled to Drench.
Gianluca Havern and Shane Killock were proving difficult opposition for Boston’s pacey frontline and the latter made an excellent sliding challenge to thwart James Clifton, who opened to shoot after cutting-in from the right.
Avenue did begin to knock on the door as the half progressed and Boyes rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort from just outside the box.
Boston continued to enjoy opportunities despite Avenue’s testing of Willis and nearly doubled their lead when Beesley drew a fantastic save from Drench with a well-struck half-volley.
However, it was Avenue that found a way through when Boyes powered home a header from a Ross delivery to draw level.
The visitors almost took the lead on the stroke of half-time, as both Boyes and Jamie Spencer saw efforts blocked by Keane on the edge of the box.
HALF-TIME: Boston United 1-1 Bradford Park Avenue
The Pilgrims enjoyed a prolonged spell of pressure after the interval but failed to find a way past the in-form Drench.
An interchange between Andi Thanoj and Hemmings opened space for the latter to shoot but the winger blazed over with a wild effort.
It was soon Avenue’s turn to regain a grip on the game, as they began to enjoy more time on the front foot.
Boyes drilled across goal in search of Spencer, but ex-Avenue man Ryan Qualter hooked behind before the young midfielder could pounce.
Mulhern skipped past Ben Middleton before checking back but his cross looped over the head of a lurking Boyes.
With the tie poised at 1-1, the final few minutes were set to be entertaining. They certainly lived up to expectations, and Mark Bower’s men would have been forgiven for thinking luck simply wasn’t on their side after seeing three shots hooked away on the line.
Two came from substitute Antoine Remi Recizac, who caused problems following his introduction with some impressive movement and skill. After his second was blocked on the goal line, the ball fell to Mulhern whose effort was also denied by a last-ditch clearance.
The resilient visitors were eventually rewarded for their pressure, taking the lead in the 90th minute when Boyes steered past Willis after the ball fell to the clinical finisher in the box.
FULL-TIME: Boston United 1-2 Bradford Park Avenue
Boston United: Willis, Middleton, Brogan, Thanoj, Keane (c), Qualter, Clifton (McGuire 77’), Abbott (Tshimanga 83’), Thompson, Beesley (Smith 67’), Hemmings.
Unused substitutes: Stewart, Wafula.
Bradford Park Avenue: Drench, Ross, Hill, Wroe (c), Killock, Havern, Brooksby (Recizac 75’), Boshell, Boyes, Spencer, Mulhern (Toulson 90+2’).
Unused substitutes: Hall, Knight.
Referee: Sam Mulhall
Academy Result: Bradford Park Avenue Vs Campsmount
The Bradford Park Avenue Academy were back to winning ways when they played Campsmount yesterday.
The academy won 6-2 with a hat-trick from Bradley Oliver, Hamzah Ikram, Jordan Botwood and Hassan Ali.
As the game was a double header the result will go down as a 5-1 win and a 1-1 draw.
The Academy are back in action Wednesday 25th April at the Horsfall Stadium when the will play Ossett Albion with a 19:45 kick off.
Match Preview: Boston United Vs Bradford Park Avenue Saturday 14th April 2018
Avenue head to the Jakemans Stadium on Saturday in search of their first away win since December 2017. Adam Boyes, Nicky Clee and Lee Knight all weighed in with goals as Mark Bower’s side swept Southport aside two days before Christmas, but only three points have been chalked up on the road since that win.
Boston held Spennymoor Town to a 0-0 draw at Harrogate Towns CNG Stadium on Tuesday night, days after securing an impressive away win at Darlington thanks to goals from Ashley Hemmings and on-loan Guiseley forward Reece Thompson.
The Pilgrims lie 12th in the table, one point adrift of Avenue with one game in-hand. Avenue did, however, come out on top in the last meeting between the sides. Boston took the lead at the Horsfall Stadium back in September, but Mark Ross drew level before Adam Boyes clinched the three points with a second-half winner.
Saturday’s opponents have overseen a managerial switch since their last meeting with Avenue, replacing Adam Murray with Craig Elliott.
The game may also see Avenue fans greeted by some familiar faces in the Boston squad. Experienced goalkeeper Jon Stewart represented Avenue during the 2015-16 season and joined the Pilgrims in January to provide competition for first-choice stopper George Willis, a one-time Avenue loanee. Centre-back Ryan Qualter is another to have turned out at the Horsfall Stadium and was also reunited with former Shaw Lane boss Elliott in January.
GUIDE TO OUR OPPONENTS:
THE GAFFER: Craig Elliott
Elliott took charge of the Pilgrims in November 2017, gaining the attention of the Boston board after guiding Shaw Lane to three promotions in four seasons. He also managed Ossett Town and Glasshoughton Welfare before taking over at the Jakemans Stadium.
KEY PLAYERS:
Stephen Brogan
Versatile 29-year old Brogan joined the Pilgrims in December having left National League North strugglers North Ferriby United. He brings a wealth of experience to Boston’s side, having played regularly in the Football League for Rotherham United before dropping into non-league. A left-sided player who is comfortable in both defence and midfield, he began his career with the Millers and attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur due to his impressive displays in the 2007-08 season. However, a double leg fracture in 2008 halted his progress. Brogan spent time on loan with Stalybridge Celtic in 2011 and proved to be a hit with fans but couldn’t earn a new deal with the Millers and was eventually released. He eventually joined Celtic on a permanent deal after struggling to settle at Alfreton Town, who he joined following his Rotherham release. Brogan went on to play alongside current Avenue boss Mark Bower at Guiseley, where he also teamed with former Lions Steven Drench, Danny Boshell and Wayne Brooksby. His stint at Nethermoor was short-lived, as it wasn’t long before Forest Green Rovers of non-league football’s highest tier swooped. During his time with Rovers, he earned a call-up to the England C squad and picked up two caps. After leaving Forest Green in 2014, he went on to represent Southport, Gainsborough Trinity and North Ferriby as well as enjoying a third spell at Stalybridge.
Ashley Hemmings
27-year-old winger Ashley Hemmings linked up with the Boston squad in June 2017 after leaving Mansfield Town. A tricky player with an eye for goal, he represented England under-17s whilst in the youth ranks of Wolverhampton Wanderers and enjoyed loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle. He made fifty-six appearances in two years at Walsall after departing Molineux, making five appearances on loan at Burton Albion during that time. Hemmings then made eighty appearances for Dagenham & Redbridge during a two-year spell between 2014 and 2016, earning a move to League Two side Mansfield Town where he spent one season. Since arriving at the Jakemans Stadium, he has scored fifteen goals in forty-four outings.
Reece Thompson
Boston completed somewhat of a coup when they convinced striker Reece Thompson to join the Pilgrims on loan. The dangerous forward was North Ferriby United’s top-scorer in their 2016-17 National League campaign, earning a move to Guiseley in the summer of 2017. He struggled to break into the Lions’ first-team but has found his feet at the Jakemans Stadium. The former Frickley Athletic and York City forward has found the back of the net on nine occasions since arriving and netted in their recent 2-1 win over Darlington at Blackwell Meadows.
Programme & Badge Fair Sunday 15th April 10am – 1pm
Bradford Park Avenue will be hosting a programme and badge fayre Sunday 15th April 2018.
Entry will be £1 for adults and free for children, with the fayre open from 10am until 1pm. Refreshments will be available.
Match Report: Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 Leamington
Drench stop puts the brakes on Leamington’s race for survival
Adam Boyes’ early opener gave Bradford Park Avenue maximum points at the expense of strugglers Leamington.
Mark Bower made two changes to the side that lost to Chorley, re-instating Rob Atkinson and Adam Boyes to the starting line-up following injuries in place of Danny Boshell and Adam Smith. Striker Lee Knight was named a substitute after being recalled from his loan spell at Halesowen Town in midweek.
The hosts’ team selection will have raised eyebrows prior to kick-off, with three centre-backs being named in the starting eleven. Atkinson, Luca Havern and Shane Killock all lined-up in the heart of defence, with Mark Ross and Matt Hill operating as wing-backs. Wayne Brooksby took up a more central role than he is used to, playing in front of the midfield pairing of Nicky Wroe and Jamie Spence and in behind the frontline.
Avenue made a dream start, taking the lead before a minute had been played. Jamie Spencer’s long-range piledriver was tipped on to the post by Tony Breeden, but Boyes was alert to the rebound and tucked home.
The Brakes were rallied by the early goal and began pumping balls forward towards the numerous bodies that had piled into the box. Avenue, however, weathered the storm admirably.
The new system was clearly something that was going to take time to get used to and the hosts struggled to find their feet in the aftermath of the opener.
Connor Gudger took two free-kicks in dangerous positions but couldn’t find the target with his dipping efforts.
After enduring a brief spell of Leamington pressure, Avenue began to take control of the game and came close to doubling their advantage on several occasions.
Frank Mulhern latched on to an inch-perfect through ball from Boyes but was thwarted by an equally as impressive sliding challenge from Jamie Hood.
Spencer sprayed the ball wide to Ross, who was racing forward unmarked, but the defender’s chipped effort clipped the crossbar.
The visitors remained very much in contention despite the score line and would have been level had a foul in the box not ruled out Junior English’s header that flew past Drench.
Opportunities fell to both Gudger and Callum Gittings as the first-half approached its end, but neither could maintain their composure and failed to hit the target from inside the 18-yard box.
HALF-TIME: Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 Leamington
Avenue were given a scare immediately after the restart, as Spencer’s clearance cannoned off Dan Udoh before flying over the crossbar despite briefly seeming like it would nestle in the top corner.
The visitors were then given a scare of their own as Boyes’ long-range effort left Breeden stranded before striking the post.
Leamington dominated possession in the early stages of the first-half but only carved out one clear-cut opportunity. Udoh rounded Atkinson before squaring to Matt Dodd, who stretched but failed to make a connection.
This was until Jack Edwards was wrestled to the ground in the box by Mark Ross, giving Dodd the chance to convert from 12-yards. His spot-kick, however, was saved and held by Drench to the relief of Avenue players, staff and supporters.
Substitute Liam Canavan had an opportunity to salvage a point for the Brakes late on but fired a free-kick into to the face of Havern who deflected the ball behind.
He then headed into the grateful clutches of Drench after Udoh had flicked the ball towards him in the box.
Avenue have faced criticism for their inability to hold out in the late stages of games in recent weeks but did so to claim a much-needed three points and condemn lowly Leamington to defeat.
FULL-TIME: Bradford Park Avenue 1-0 Leamington
Bradford Park Avenue: Drench, Ross, Hill, Atkinson (Toulson 70’), Killock, Havern, Brooksby, Wroe (c), Boyes, Spencer, Mulhern (Boshell 74’).
Unused substitutes: Hall, Recizac, Knight.
Leamington: Breeden (c), English, Gudger, Clarke (Canavan 67’), Hood, Mace, Dunbar (Revan 77’), Gittings, Udoh, Edwards, Obeng (Dodd 62’).
Unused substitutes: Magunda, Moore.
Referee: Garreth Rhodes
Match Rearranged: Brackley Town Vs Bradford Park Avenue
Following the postponed game against Brackley Town on Saturday 3rd March. Both clubs have agreed for the game to be rearranged for Tuesday 17th April 2018 with a 19:45 kick off.
The Club will be running a coach to the game leaving The Horsfall Stadium at 14:15 and Ceder Court at 14:30. If you would like to book a seat please see Neil Fawcett at the Supporters Information Desk on match day or call him on 07811959003.
Forthcoming Academy Fixtures
Wednesday 11th April – BPA Academy vs Campsmount school at Grange School 1pm KO
Wednesday 25th April – BPA Academy vs Ossett Albion 7.45 KO
Wednesday 2nd May – BPA Academy vs Huddersfield Academy 7.45 KO
Easter Training For Bradford Park Avenue Academy
It may be the Easter holidays, but the work doesn’t stop at the Horsfall College of Sport. Bradford Park Avenue scholars continue to work hard, both on the pitch and in the classroom. You can take a look at some of their training on our official YouTube channel by following the link.
Remember to contact horsfallcollege@gmail.com if you think the Horsfall College of Sport would be ideal for yourself or someone you know.