Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm the signing of forward Billy Whaite on a 28-day youth loan from Blackpool Football Club.

Whaite arrives at the Horsfall Community Stadium after signing a professional contract with Blackpool earlier this season, where he has been part of the club’s academy structure following a strong development pathway in the North West.

The striker came through the ranks at Morecambe, where he impressed at Under-18 level and earned opportunities to train with the first team. His progress was rewarded last season with a senior appearance in Sky Bet League Two, before further first-team involvement during pre-season.

Following his move to Blackpool, Whaite has continued his development within the academy environment and now joins Avenue to gain valuable senior experience in a competitive non-league setting.

The forward will link up with Craig Elliott’s squad immediately and will be available for selection at tomorrow’s match vs Bridlington, adding further attacking options as Avenue continue their league campaign.

The club would like to thank Blackpool Football Club for their cooperation in completing the loan and welcomes Billy to Horsfall.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Northern Premier League East Division action on Saturday with a long trip north to face Ashington at Woodhorn Lane.

Avenue head into the fixture sitting fifth in the league table and firmly in the play-off mix. With the sides around them tightly packed, every point remains vital, and Craig Elliott’s side will be keen to maintain momentum on the road.

Recent league form has been mixed but competitive. Avenue have taken points from four of their last six matches, most recently with a strong away win at Brighouse Town on New Year’s Day, before last weekends home match vs Matlock Town was postponed due to Storm Goretti freezing the Horsfall pitch.

Ashington currently sit 16th in the division and are working to pull clear of the lower end of the table. Their results have been inconsistent, but recent performances show they are capable of posing problems, particularly on home soil. Wins over Bishop Auckland, Ossett United, and Brighouse Town in recent weeks underline their ability to compete.

From an Avenue perspective, the league table highlights the importance of Saturday’s fixture. With several teams separated by only a handful of points in and around the play-off places, a positive result at Woodhorn Lane would be an important step in sustaining pressure on those above.

Ashington’s home record suggests they will be well-organised and competitive, while Avenue’s away form has generally been solid, setting the stage for a tight and hard-fought contest.

Match details
Ashington vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
Northern Premier League East Division
Saturday 17 January 2026
Kick-off: 3pm
Woodhorn Lane
Ashington, Northumberland
NE63 9FW

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to cup action next Tuesday evening as Barnoldswick Town visit the Horsfall Community Stadium in the quarter-final of the West Riding County Cup.

Avenue’s route to the quarter-final has seen progress at both home and away venues, first overcoming Pontefract Collieries at the Horsfall before following that up with a strong victory on the road at Selby Town. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, Craig Elliott’s side will now look to make home advantage count under the lights once again.

Barnoldswick Town arrive in Bradford having already shown their resilience in this season’s cup. Their route to the last eight has included an away penalty shootout win at Liversedge, and a convincing 3–0 victory on the road at Club Thorne Colliery. Competing in the North West Counties Premier Division, they will travel to West Yorkshire keen to test themselves and extend their run.

As ever with county cup football, league positions count for little once the whistle blows. Tuesday night is expected to be competitive and hard-fought, with both sides knowing that victory brings them one step closer to silverware.

Match details
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Barnoldswick Town
West Riding County Cup – Quarter-Final
Tuesday 20 January
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Horsfall Community Stadium

Tickets
Tickets are available online in advance at:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16944

Adults – £6
Concessions (65+, Blue Light, Students, Armed Forces) – £4
Under 18s – £1

Pay on the gate will also be available on the night.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday as we host Matlock Town in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Saturday 10 January 2026
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Horsfall Community Stadium

Avenue go into the fixture fifth in the league table on 42 points from 25 matches and firmly in the promotion picture. Recent form has seen Bradford (Park Avenue) take 10 points from the last six league games, with three wins, one draw and two defeats.

That spell included a brief blip over the festive period, with narrow defeats against Emley AFC and Pontefract Collieries, but the side responded positively to get back on track with a convincing 2–0 away victory at Brighouse Town on New Year’s Day, setting a positive tone for the start of 2026.

Matlock Town arrive at Horsfall sitting third, with 46 points from 23 matches, and are also enjoying a strong run of form. They have picked up 13 points from their last six games, including emphatic home wins over Silsden and Lincoln United. Their only defeat in that period came away at Ossett United, while they were held to a draw at Pontefract Collieries.

With just four points separating the two sides, Saturday’s fixture shapes up as an important contest in the race at the top end of the division. Matlock have been free-scoring across the season, while Avenue will be confident in their recent defensive performances and home advantage.

Support at Horsfall could once again prove vital as Bradford (Park Avenue) look to close the gap on the teams above and build further momentum.

Tickets
Tickets are available online until 6:00pm Friday:
https://buff.ly/2aS9EYo

Pay on the gate is available by card or cash.

Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Pontefract Collieries
Northern Premier League East Division
Friday 26 December | 1:00pm KO | Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium on Boxing Day for a festive league fixture against familiar opponents Pontefract Collieries, with a 1:00pm kick-off set to begin a full day of football across the district.

The two sides have already met twice this season, both occasions ending in convincing victories for Avenue. The first came earlier in the campaign in the league, when Pontefract were ground sharing at Ossett, as goals from Mark Beevers and a Charlie Winfield brace secured a 3–0 win. More recently, the teams met again at Horsfall in the West Riding County Cup, where Connor Shanks struck twice before Tom Corner added a late third to seal another 3–0 success.

Those results will offer confidence for Craig Elliott’s side, but Boxing Day fixtures rarely follow a script. Pontefract arrive determined to reverse recent outcomes and will be well aware that Avenue’s league position and performances have not always reflected the margins within games. With the festive schedule placing physical and mental demands on squads, sharpness and game management will be crucial.

Avenue will be keen to end 2025 on a positive note in front of a home crowd, with Horsfall traditionally providing a strong atmosphere on Boxing Day. The earlier kick-off also offers supporters the chance to make the most of the day, with affordable entry prices designed to welcome families and occasional visitors during the festive period.

Admission for this fixture has been reduced, with adults priced at £7, concessions £5, youths £3, and juniors just £1, making it one of the most accessible matchdays of the season. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16279

With recent head-to-head form, home advantage, and the backing of the Green Army, Avenue will look to impose themselves early and set the tone for the afternoon. Pontefract, meanwhile, will see this as an opportunity to spoil the party and claim a valuable festive result.

Kick-off is at 1:00pm on Friday 26 December at Horsfall Community Stadium.