10 Mar 2018

Match Report: Bradford Park Avenue 3-3 Alfreton Town

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SPOILS SHARED BETWEEN AVENUE AND ALFRETON

The spoils were shared between Avenue and Alfreton in a thoroughly entertaining league showdown.

Mark Bower shuffled the pack for the visit of Alfreton Town, clearly looking to avoid a repeat of the performance he witnessed in the defeat to North Ferriby United. Ed Hall replaced Steven Drench between the sticks, Mark Ross and Javan Vidal returned from injury, and Matt Hill and Danny Boshell reclaimed their starting berths.

Avenue started brightly and managed to get in behind the Reds defence on several occasions early on. Some intricate passing on the edge of the box led to Vidal breaking down the right and cutting back across goal, but Alfreton managed to hack clear.

Oli Johnson was then denied two opportunities to test Tobias Johannson, firstly by the linesman’s flag and then by a headed clearance that turned Nicky Clee’s cross away from the forward’s direction.

Avenue were rewarded for their early dominance when they struck first with fourteen minutes on the clock. Defender Matt Hill opened his account for the season with a drilled effort across Johannson that flew into the bottom corner, giving Avenue a deserved lead.

Alfreton embarked on a hunt for a quick response, but Nyal Bell’s close-range strike was palmed away by the returning Hall.

Avenue had a golden opportunity to double their lead after the ball fell kindly for Boshell in the box with Johannson stranded, but former Avenue forward Chris Sharp made a dramatic goal-line clearance to deny his former teammate.

The hosts continued to pile on the pressure but were dealt a sickening blow when Tom Platt unleashed a vicious strike from long-range that flew past Hall.

Despite conceding against the run of play, Avenue remained on top. Clee wriggled past two defenders before teeing up Johnson, who will have been disappointed to have struck the post with his tame effort.

Alfreton then took a shock lead, as Sharp found the top corner with a spectacular long-range strike that rendered Hall helpless.

Half-time brought an incredibly frustrating opening 45 minutes to a close, and the Avenue players left the pitch with disbelief etched upon their faces.

Avenue emerged after the interval with a sharpened clinical edge and were eventually rewarded for their continual pressure. Mark Ross whipped in a delightful delivery from the right that Johnson leapt to meet and nod home from close-range.

Vidal then had a golden opportunity to edge Avenue ahead but couldn’t stretch further enough to prod home an Adam Boyes cut-back.

Alfreton introduced winger Brendon Daniels in the 71st minute and the winger made an instant impact by swinging a free-kick past Hall with his first touch to regain the Reds’ lead.

Frank Mulhern was brought on in the aftermath of Daniels’ goal, and he came agonisingly close to drawing level with a curled free-kick that fizzed just wide of the post.

Despite the set-backs, Avenue continued to pose a threat going forward and soon found a breakthrough when Johnson’s cut-back was bundled home in a frantic scramble.

A dramatic finale ensued, but neither side could find the winning goal and it finished 3-3.

Bradford Park Avenue: Hall, Ross, Hill (Smith 80’), Wroe (c), Atkinson, Havern (Killock 69’), Vidal (Mulhern 74’), Boshell, Boyes, Johnson, Clee.

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Spencer

Alfreton Town: Johansson, Topliss, Allan (c), Platt, Wagner, Green, Jennings (Daniels 70’), Baxendale (Disley 76’), Sharp, Bell (Westcarr 66’), Marshall.

Unused substitutes: Elliott, Keane

Referee: Benjamin Speedie

 

 

9 Mar 2018

Vanarama National League – February Manager & Player Of The Month

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VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Daryl McMahon – Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United handed manager Daryl McMahon a new five-year contract in the summer after achieving promotion to the Vanarama National League, and the show of faith seems to have been rewarded on the pitch. In their first season back in the fifth-tier, Fleet ended February with only goal difference separating the side from a spot in the play-off places. Despite defeat in the month’s first match at Tranmere Rovers- a ground where few away sides have gained three points this season- McMahon’s men won all four of the remaining fixtures. A hard fought 1-0 victory over in-form Solihull Moors was closely followed by three points at FC Halifax Town, where debutant Corey Whitley made an instant impact at his new club. Danny Kedwell’s brace at home to Woking took his tally to 13 for the campaign, while Dean Rance scored the only goal in the final match of the month at Hartlepool United.

 

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Elliott Durrell – Macclesfield Town

It’s been another magic month for Macclesfield Town. The Silkmen stretched their lead to five points at the top of the Vanarama National League after collecting maximum points from February. Back-to-back away matches at Aldershot Town and Tranmere Rovers looked a tough test on paper, but the table toppers passed with flying colours. Elliott Durrell’s contribution proved crucial during the two matches, creating the winning goal at The EBB Stadium and scoring twice at Prenton Park. In the final game of February, the winger’s pinpoint cross to the far post was met by Scott Wilson to earn three important points in additional time versus Maidenhead United. Durrell earns the accolade for match winning performances, which could prove vital at the end of the campaign.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Dino Maamria – Nuneaton Town

It was a phenomenal turnaround for Nuneaton Town during an unbeaten February. Only goal difference separated The Boro from the Vanarama National League North relegation zone at the beginning of the month. But four victories in five matches took Dino Maamria’s side into the top half of the table for the first time under his stewardship. The new centre-back pairing of Ryan Johnson and Kennedy Digie contributed towards three clean sheets, while Ashley Chambers maintained his ruthless run in front of goal this campaign, finding the target on three occasions. Now only five points behind the top seven, Nuneaton Town may turn attentions towards a late play-off push, which looked more than improbable just a few weeks ago.

 

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Jason Gilchrist – Southport

It was another great month in front of goal for marksman Jason Gilchrist, and the Vanarama National League North top goal scorer is the deserving winner of the Player of the Month award for February. Five goals in just three matches takes the striker’s tally to twenty three in the league this season, including twelve since joining Southport from FC United of Manchester. The month began with the 23-year-old netting a second hat-trick of the campaign in victory over Gainsborough Trinity, with a half-volley from a tight angle to open the scoring the pick of the goals. Gilchrist scored from the penalty spot as Southport recorded a second successive three-goal victory at North Ferriby United. After falling behind against Curzon Ashton, Gilchrist’s header at the far post proved to the catalyst for an impressive comeback to secure maximum points from the month.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Marc Richards – Gloucester City

Since taking charge of Gloucester City in mid-December, Marc Richards has excelled so far in his first role in football management. A former Tigers player- having appeared over 100 times for the club- Richards was First Team Assistant Manager under the reign of former manager Tim Harris. After a brief period of adjustment- with the side sitting inside the bottom three- February was where Richards began to leave his mark. A five-match unbeaten run- including three straight victories over Welling United, Concord Rangers and Wealdstone- propelled the side rapidly up the Vanarama National League South table. Joe Hanks’ wonder strike at Havant & Waterlooville in the final match of the month may have been in vein, but the performance showed just how far they’ve come in just a short period of time.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Rory Williams – Havant & Waterlooville

After suffering relegation out of the Vanarama National League South in 2016, Havant & Waterlooville are on the trail for back-to-back promotions. The Hawks have made an immediate impact since returning to the division. They are currently on course to reach the fifth-tier for the first time in their history. Rory Williams has been one of the players key to the fluid transition back into the division, and collects the award after a fine February. The left wing-back was a consistent performer for Lee Bradbury’s side, contributing in both defence and attack. The side conceded just twice in the month, with clean sheets coming in three of their five matches. Williams also scored in the first game of February, smartly tucking a free-kick under the wall at Poole Town.

8 Mar 2018

Match Preview: Bradford Park Avenue Vs Alfreton Town Saturday 10th March 2018

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Bradford Park Avenue vs. Alfreton Town – Match Preview

Both sides will be relishing a return to action after their respective fixtures fell victim to the ‘Beast from the East’ last week but for very different reasons.

 

Avenue suffered a humiliating defeat to rock-bottom North Ferriby United in their last outing, with manager Mark Bower describing their performance as the worst he had seen since his appointment.

Alfreton, on the other hand, have shown significant improvement since former Halifax Town defender Chris Moyses took charge in mid-January. They suffered narrow defeats to high-fliers Salford City and Harrogate Town in February but have also brushed aside Leamington, Blyth Spartans and Tamworth since the managerial change. In their last league outing, defender Tom Allan struck against his former club York City to secure a valuable point at Bootham Crescent before they booked their place in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final three days later. A commendable effort from volunteers to clear the snow at the Impact Arena allowed the Cup tie to go ahead, and the hardy souls were rewarded with the witnessing of a 2-0 win over Ilkeston Town.

In the last meeting between the sides, Mark Ross turned a cross into his own net to give Alfreton the lead but saw his blushes spared by second-half strikes from Adam Boyes and Oli Johnson, as well as a bullet header from Shane Killock.

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:

 THE GAFFER:

 Chris Moyses

52-year-old Moyses was appointed as Alfreton boss in January after nearly two years away from football. He began his managerial career in February 2010 when he was handed the reins at Lincoln Moorlands Railway in the NCEL Premier Division, and he helped guide them to safety in remarkable fashion as they secured 22 points from their final eleven league games. In the following season, he steered the club to a sixth-placed finish but resigned in May 2011. After spending time coaching within Lincoln City’s youth set-up, he took up the role of first-team manager in December 2014 after a brief spell as caretaker manager. The Imps finished 15th in his first season, before climbing to 13th in the following campaign. Current Lincoln manager Danny Cowley replaced Moyses in May 2016. As a player, he lined-up for our Yorkshire counterparts Halifax Town between 1984 and 1985 before dropping into non-league to represent Boston United, Shepshed Charterhouse and Grantham. He also represented the club he would go on to manage, Lincoln, during a stint with the Imps in 1984.

KEY PLAYERS:

Tom Allan

The 23-year-old utility man has established himself as a key figure for Alfreton this season having penned a new one-year deal with the club in June 2017. Allan ascended the ranks of hometown club York City after agreeing youth terms with the club aged eight and made his debut for the Minstermen as a substitute in a 4-1 win over Bristol Rovers in December 2012. He represented Hucknall Town and Harrogate Town during loan spells whilst with York, before leaving in 2014 to join Gateshead. Despite making 22 appearances in the top tier of non-league football in the 2014-15 season, he was released by newly-appointed Tynesiders manager Malcolm Crosby in June 2015. Allan was snapped up by Alfreton following his release and has featured regularly in the first-team either side of a loan spell with Tadcaster Albion. He helped the Reds pick up a vital point on the road in their last league outing with an equalising goal against former club York.

Brendon Daniels

The 24-year-old product of Crewe Alexandra’s academy is a tricky winger who is no stranger to football in Yorkshire having lined-up for Harrogate Town in the 2014-15 season. He netted 22 goals in 40 appearances at the CNG Stadium, earning a move to AFC Fylde in May 2016. He helped the club achieve promotion to the National League in his debut season but didn’t follow them into the top tier of non-league football, joining Alfreton instead in August 2017. He has already notched 13 goals in 30 appearances so far this season and will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday.

Craig Westcarr

Westcarr trails Daniels by one goal in Alfreton’s goal scoring chart this season but has been equally as impressive. The 33-year-old has found the back of the net on 12 occasions and is currently enjoying his second campaign at the Impact Arena having joined from Mansfield Town in 2016. He became Nottingham Forest’s youngest ever first-team player when he made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2001 but dropped into non-league four years later after agreeing terms with Cambridge United. The former England under-21 international then joined Kettering Town in 2007, where three impressive seasons earned him a move back to the Football League with Notts County in 2009. He helped fire County to the League Two title in 2010 and scored the opening goal against Sunderland in an FA Cup giant-killing at the Stadium of Light in January 2011. He left Meadow Lane in 2011, and represented Chesterfield, Walsall, Portsmouth and Mansfield Town in the Football League before a loan spell with Southport returned him to the non-league game in 2016.

Saturday’s game kicks-off at 3pm at the Horsfall Stadium, with admission priced at just £10 for adults, £7 for concessions, £5 for students and £2 for under-18s 

6 Mar 2018

Gaffers Review: Bradford Park Avenue Vs North Ferriby United Saturday 24th February 2018

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It was a day when too many of our players were way below what we expect from them and what I know they are capable of and in the end we suffered an embarrassing defeat. Whilst we have not been picking up many results recently, on the whole our performances have warranted a much better return, but in the Ferriby game, everyone in the dressing room knows that there was no excuse for what happened and we owe everyone connected with the club a much better performance on Saturday coming.

In a way the game summed up a lot of our season. When we have been good, we’ve been really good and chalked up some impressive and comprehensive victories, but what we haven’t done enough of is win the tight games, win ugly or take a point when we’ve not been at our best. The Ferriby game was a perfect example, we did not play well, but we had more than enough chances to win comfortably and they scored with their only real chance of the game. Of the 12 games we’ve lost this season, 9 have been one goal defeats, but of our 12 wins only three have been by a single goal. It’s clear that if we can turn more of these tight games in our favour in the final ten games we can still achieve our target for the season, but being more clinical in both boxes will be key.

We will be looking to bounce back on Saturday

Thanks

Mark

6 Mar 2018

Volunteers Required

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The club require any willing and able volunteers to come down to the ground between 5-6 tonight to help clear snow from the pitch and around the ground.

The majority of the snow has now melted due to the raising temperature but there are still a number of snow drifts that require clearing ahead of the game on Saturday.

5 Mar 2018

Avenue Launch Official YouTube Channel

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Avenue Launch Official YouTube Channel

The channel will serve as a way of delivering interviews with Mark Bower, players and other club officials instantly after they are recorded. Previously, post-match interviews and reactions simply had quotes extracted and posted in written form, but we feel that the quick delivery of video footage is something supporters would prefer.

As more people subscribe and show interest in the channel, we will be looking to upload more exclusive content. The nature of this content is yet to be decided, but there are some exciting ideas in the pipeline!

Subscription to the channel ensures that you will have access to videos the second they go online so make sure you follow the link below and click ‘subscribe’. A link directly to the YouTube channel has also been added to the menu bar on the home page of the website.

BPA YouTube