We can today confirm that last weeks postponed match v Scarborough Athletic has now been rearranged for 27th February 2023. Kick Off is set for 7:45pm.
Anyone who held tickets for the called off game on Monday 16th January will be able to use these tickets at the new date.
#UTA
The Green Army bid to bounce back at Kidderminster.
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to return to winning ways as they visit Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. The fixture follows a narrow 3-2 defeat at Spennymoor Town last time out, having seen Monday’s visit of Scarborough Athletic once again called off due to the cold weather.
The defeat at Brewery Field last Saturday ended an impressive six game unbeaten league run for the Avenue; however, no wins in four have left the club looking nervously over their shoulders. Holding a two-point advantage over Kettering Town in 21st and having played a game more than some of the sides below, a win at Aggborough Stadium this week could see Bradford (Park Avenue) climb two spaces in their bid to secure safety.
The build up to the trip to Kidderminster has seen some positive news emerge from the club following another productive week in the transfer market. On Tuesday afternoon the Avenue were delighted to confirm the extension of Jordan Preston’s loan deal until the end of the season. The forward has been instrumental to boss Mark Bower’s plans, netting three goals in seven matches since joining from Spennymoor Town. In addition to this, Bradford (Park Avenue) have also secured the services of Huddersfield Town defender Shane Maroodza on a 28-day loan, with the youngster having made a positive impression in an earlier loan spell at the Horsfall this season.
The Avenue faithful may well approach this game with an air of caution as Kidderminster Harriers have proven to be tricky opponents in recent years. The Green Army would need to look back to May 2018 to remember their last victory over the Harriers, a 2-0 away win at Aggborough Stadium courtesy of goals from Adam Boyes and Oli Johnson. Bradford (Park Avenue) will also be aiming to avoid a repeat of this season’s reverse fixture against Kidderminster. The Green Army looked set to secure their first home point of the season when hosting the Harriers back in August, only for Zak Brown to break the deadlock and net a 94th minute winner for the away side.
This weekend’s hosts will also be desperate for the three points, as a run of one win in their last six league games has seen them drop into the bottom half of the table. The Harriers had been enjoying a good cup run in the FA Trophy this season, but defeat at the hands of National League side Dorking Wanderers last weekend saw the club exit in the fourth round of this year’s competition. What’s more, Bradford (Park Avenue) can take confidence from Kidderminster’s dip in form at Aggborough Stadium. Without a home win since late October, the Avenue will be looking to heap even more misery on their hosts.
Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw
TICKET AND TRAVEL INFORMATION – From the Kidderminster website
If you’re planning on visiting Aggborough as an away fan, here is some of the information you’ll need to know – please specifically note the requirement to purchase your tickets before entering. They are also a cashless venue, so please plan accordingly for your trip.
BY CAR
FROM THE HORSFALL –
Get on M606 in Bradford from A6036 – 5 min (1.8 mi)
Head north-west on Cemetery Rd towards Studley Ave – 0.1 mi
Turn right onto Halifax Rd/A6036 – 0.8 mi
At Odsal Top, take the 3rd exit onto Rooley Ave/A6036 – 0.6 mi
At Staithgate Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the M606 slip road to Manchester/Hull/Leeds/M62 – 0.3 mi
Take M62 and M6 to Manor Way/A456 in Halesowen. Take exit 3 from M5 – 2 hr 5 min (126 mi)
Merge onto M606 – 2.7 mi
Merge onto M62 – 19.2 mi
Keep right to stay on M62 – 8.1 mi
Continue onto M60 – 6.9 mi
At junction 12, Use the left 2 lanes to exit towards M62/M6/Liverpool – 0.7 mi
Continue onto M62 – 7.8 mi
Take the M6 S/M6 N exit towards Birmingham/Chester/M56/Preston – 0.6 mi
Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 10, follow signs for M6(S) S/Birmingham – 0.9 mi
Keep right and merge onto M6 – 27.2 mi
Keep right to stay on M6 – 17.4 mi
Keep right to stay on M6 – 15.5 mi
At junction 11A, Use the left 2 lanes to take the M6 exit to Birmingham/M5 – 0.8 mi
Continue onto M6 (signs for Birmingham S/M5 SW) – 8.9 mi
At junction 8, take the M5 exit to Birmingham(West)/Birmingham(South)/West Bromwich – 1.6 mi
Continue onto M5 – 7.1 mi
At junction 3, take the A456 exit to Kidderminster
Follow A456 to Hoo Rd in Kidderminster – 23 min (11.8 mi)
At Quinton Interchange, take the 3rd exit onto Manor Way/A456 – 1.5 mi
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Manor Way/A456 – 1.5 mi
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hagley Rd/A456 – 0.6 mi
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Hagley Causeway/A456 – 0.9 mi
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Hagley Hill/A456 Continue to follow A456 – 1.0 mi
At the roundabout, take the 4th exit – 0.1 mi
Continue onto Kidderminster Rd/A456
Continue to follow A456 – 5.4 mi
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto The Ringway/A451 – 0.2 mi
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Comberton Hill/A448 – 387 ft
Turn right onto Hoo Rd – 0.4 mi The destination will be on your left
BY RAIL
Kidderminster Station (0.5 miles from Aggborough Stadium). Walk down Comberton Hill towards the town centre and take the left turning just before Motorway Tyres near the bottom of the hill. Walk up Hoo Road for approximately half a mile to Aggborough Stadium.
Distances from Kidderminster
Tickets for matches at Aggborough must be purchased in advance of entry – there is no facility to pay cash on the turnstile. Advance match day tickets can be purchased here using their online ticketing platform. There is an additional surcharge to anyone purchasing their ticket in person at the box office on the day of the match (except for junior tickets), so it makes sense to purchase your ticket early, as it only takes a moment.
Any supporters needing assistance with purchasing online can contact us before a match day on 01562 823 931.
For the vast majority of matches at Aggborough, away fans will be seated in the East Stand, an all-seated stand that runs the length of the pitch, offering fantastic views of the pitch, or the South Stand terrace, which is behind the goal to the left of the East Stand as you sit.
Where a large travelling contingent is expected, away supporters will also then be housed in the South Stand terrace, which is behind the goal to the right hand side of the tunnel as you enter the pitch.
As stated above, away fans will most times be housed in the East Stand seating or the South Stand Terrace.
5 Star Windows North Stand / South Stand (Away)
Adults: £17.00
Over 65: £13.00
*Student/Young Adult (age 16-21): £11.00
U16s: £4.00
EBC Group Main Stand and East Stand.
Adults: £19.00
Over 65: £15.00
*Student/Young Adult (age 16-21): £13.00
U16s: £5.00
There are refreshment facilities within easy reach for away fans at Aggborough wherever they’re housed.
Programmes at Aggborough are £3.50 and are packed with details covering both teams plus plenty of other great content. These are on sale throughout the ground. Can’t make it to the ground? Don’t worry – programmes are available to buy online with free postage.
Supporter parking at Aggborough is extremely limited at present. This is restricted to the South Stand where cars can park for £5 on a first come, first served basis. The ground is within a residential area, so when parking and attending matches at Aggborough, respectful of local residents at all times.
We would ask any supporter suffering COVID-19 symptoms to stay away from the ground and follow Government guidance.
In compliance with national law, Aggborough Stadium is a fully non-smoking venue within all enclosed and semi-enclosed areas. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.
We can today confirm that Spennymoor loanee Jordan Preston has had his loan extended from the original date of 14th February, now until the end of the season.
Jordan has been a brilliant addition to the team since joining in November, scoring 3 goals in 7 matches.
A huge thanks to the Development Fund for their contribution to this deal.
We can also confirm that Huddersfield Town defender Shane Maroodza, who was with us at the start of the season is returning to the club on a 28-day loan.
Shane made 6 appearances for Avenue back in August, playing a vital role in both the #3 and #6 shirts.
Welcome back Shane!
The club would like to place on record our thanks to both Huddersfield Town and Spennymoor Town for their professionalism in getting these deals through.
#UTA
Taken from the Kidderminster Website.
If you’re planning on visiting Aggborough as an away fan, here is some of the information you’ll need to know – please specifically note the requirement to purchase your tickets before entering. They are also a cashless venue, so please plan accordingly for your trip.
BY CAR
FROM THE HORSFALL –
Get on M606 in Bradford from A6036 – 5 min (1.8 mi)
Head north-west on Cemetery Rd towards Studley Ave – 0.1 mi
Turn right onto Halifax Rd/A6036 – 0.8 mi
At Odsal Top, take the 3rd exit onto Rooley Ave/A6036 – 0.6 mi
At Staithgate Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the M606 slip road to Manchester/Hull/Leeds/M62 – 0.3 mi
Take M62 and M6 to Manor Way/A456 in Halesowen. Take exit 3 from M5 – 2 hr 5 min (126 mi)
Merge onto M606 – 2.7 mi
Merge onto M62 – 19.2 mi
Keep right to stay on M62 – 8.1 mi
Continue onto M60 – 6.9 mi
At junction 12, Use the left 2 lanes to exit towards M62/M6/Liverpool – 0.7 mi
Continue onto M62 – 7.8 mi
Take the M6 S/M6 N exit towards Birmingham/Chester/M56/Preston – 0.6 mi
Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 10, follow signs for M6(S) S/Birmingham – 0.9 mi
Keep right and merge onto M6 – 27.2 mi
Keep right to stay on M6 – 17.4 mi
Keep right to stay on M6 – 15.5 mi
At junction 11A, Use the left 2 lanes to take the M6 exit to Birmingham/M5 – 0.8 mi
Continue onto M6 (signs for Birmingham S/M5 SW) – 8.9 mi
At junction 8, take the M5 exit to Birmingham(West)/Birmingham(South)/West Bromwich – 1.6 mi
Continue onto M5 – 7.1 mi
At junction 3, take the A456 exit to Kidderminster
Follow A456 to Hoo Rd in Kidderminster – 23 min (11.8 mi)
At Quinton Interchange, take the 3rd exit onto Manor Way/A456 – 1.5 mi
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Manor Way/A456 – 1.5 mi
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hagley Rd/A456 – 0.6 mi
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Hagley Causeway/A456 – 0.9 mi
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Hagley Hill/A456 Continue to follow A456 – 1.0 mi
At the roundabout, take the 4th exit – 0.1 mi
Continue onto Kidderminster Rd/A456
Continue to follow A456 – 5.4 mi
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto The Ringway/A451 – 0.2 mi
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Comberton Hill/A448 – 387 ft
Turn right onto Hoo Rd – 0.4 mi The destination will be on your left
BY RAIL
Kidderminster Station (0.5 miles from Aggborough Stadium). Walk down Comberton Hill towards the town centre and take the left turning just before Motorway Tyres near the bottom of the hill. Walk up Hoo Road for approximately half a mile to Aggborough Stadium.
Distances from Kidderminster
Tickets for matches at Aggborough must be purchased in advance of entry – there is no facility to pay cash on the turnstile. Advance match day tickets can be purchased our online ticketing platform. There is an additional surcharge to anyone purchasing their ticket in person at the box office on the day of the match (except for junior tickets), so it makes sense to purchase your ticket early, as it only takes a moment.
Any supporters needing assistance with purchasing online can contact us before a match day on 01562 823 931.
For the vast majority of matches at Aggborough, away fans will be seated in the East Stand, an all-seated stand that runs the length of the pitch, offering fantastic views of the pitch, or the South Stand terrace, which is behind the goal to the left of the East Stand as you sit.
Where a large travelling contingent is expected, away supporters will also then be housed in the South Stand terrace, which is behind the goal to the right hand side of the tunnel as you enter the pitch.
Visiting Aggborough to support Harriers? Head to the North Stand terrace or the seated EBC Main Stand or East Stand.
As stated above, away fans will most times be housed in the East Stand seating or the South Stand Terrace. Get admission price details.
There are refreshment facilities within easy reach for away fans at Aggborough wherever they’re housed.
Programmes at Aggborough are £3.50 and are packed with details covering both teams plus plenty of other great content. These are on sale throughout the ground. Can’t make it to the ground? Don’t worry – programmes are available to buy online with free postage.
Supporter parking at Aggborough is extremely limited at present. This is restricted to the South Stand where cars can park for £5 on a first come, first served basis. The ground is within a residential area, so when parking and attending matches at Aggborough, respectful of local residents at all times.
We would ask any supporter suffering COVID-19 symptoms to stay away from the ground and follow Government guidance.
In compliance with national law, Aggborough Stadium is a fully non-smoking venue within all enclosed and semi-enclosed areas. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.
Your entry into Aggborough Stadium is subject to the acceptance of the National League’s Ground regulations and adherence to the Smoke No Joke policy. Both documents are clearly visible and available on entry turnstiles but are also available for download below.
We can now announce that following a pitch inspection, tonight’s match v Scarborough Athletic has been called off due to snowfall on the pitch. There are also some concerns regarding spectator safety.
We apologise for any inconvenience, and we will announce the rescheduled match as soon as it is agreed.
Anyone who has tickets for tonight’s game will be granted entry to the rearranged game.
#UTA
Following this morning’s snow fall, we can confirm there will be a pitch inspection today at 2pm.
We are delighted to announce the loan capture of highly rated Huddersfield defender David Adewoju. David is available straight away after agreeing a month long deal.
Welcome to the Green Army David!
#UTA
We are delighted to announce that we have signed Academy defender Mason Brewis on non contract terms!
Mason becomes the 3rd academy player to make the step up this season following in the foot steps of Liam Hall and Myles Ls Bastide.
A tough tackling defender, Mason has been playing his football down at Thackley this season, and made the move from Reserves to First team at Dennyfield earlier this year.
On the move, Thomas McStravick said: This is fantastic news, Mason has been brilliant this season under the tutelage of Pat McGuire and the staff and thoroughly deserves his chance. Knowing Mason, I know he will be aware that the hard work starts now. Well done Mason!
We can confirm today that we have re-called Eddie Church from his loan spell at Matlock Town.
Eddie comes back in time to be available for the Spennymoor game this weekend.
Welcome back Eddie!
As we enter the new year we will be eagerly awaiting PL funds being distributed, BT streaming being made available, hopefully for the two regional leagues as well as the main league and progress by the government on the Fan-led Review of Football.
Chapters 7 and 8 of the Review refer to supporters specifically and the creation of a ‘Shadow Board’ and a ‘Golden Share’. The Supporter set-up, however constituted, may need to be ratified by the Financial Conduct Authority as some kind of Community Benefit Society.
The suggestion is that a shadow version of a club’s Board can be consulted and kept updated on off-field, confidential financial matters (specifically not on team matters) and that the Golden Share will confer rights on, and refer to, heritage decisions such as stadium relocations, first team colours and the club name, for example. Clearly this is to prevent the repeat of past failures. (Where was this idea when we needed them back in the 70s?)
At the moment our own Supporters Development Fund is potentially the sort of collective supporters’ body that could be converted into, or act as, a Shadow Board, if that is the way an Independent Regulator decides to go. We shall have to wait and see, but if the government finds the time and inclination to legislate for an Independent Regulator, then all clubs and their loyal supporters will need to find solutions.
Hopefully this review will also mean more funds flowing down the pyramid to non-league clubs to sustain viability. The belief is that this will also expose reckless owners who go splashing vast unearned money on players in the pursuit of promotion and short-term glory. Certainly regular FCA reporting would help to identify irregular funding promptly.
Gareth is planning to come to the UK in February and will want to see how best to proceed on this matter and the Board is open to supporter proposals and ideas as to how to find a solution that satisfies supporters and the Board. It is best to be prepared for any changes that may come from any new Independent Regulator than to rush at the last minute into changes.
Off the field our athletics partner, Bradford and Airedale Athletics Club (BAAC) are currently helping us to find grants and funding to re-lay the running track and improve field athletics facilities at Horsfall. This should help to attract several local athletics clubs to consider using Horsfall much more often. This is a big piece of work, if and when it happens. We are already planning big events to help with funding this plan and will keep you updated.
Horsfall’s reputation as a multi-sport venue would be further enhanced by similar investments we may uncover and we will be fast becoming South Bradford’s main sporting hub. Our small, Horsfall team are getting good advice from key influencers and tapping into ideas from the City of Culture planning. All this will eventually help to fill the coffers and give us more for first team investment.
Hopefully we can uncover local businesses and individuals keen to join us on this exciting journey. These projects need local investment from those who are wanting to improve opportunities for the community and facilities which invest in the future of the area and ultimately support the club in its survival and progress. Let us know if you find any investors who want to come and invest in the future with us.
Back on the field you will have seen our first Academy student graduate to the first team pool, so congratulations to Liam Hall on a well-deserved transition. I’m sure he won’t be the last and our best wishes go to him for his hard work and dedication.
We have had some great keepers over the years, so it’s good to see the continuing trend. Harry Hough, Bert Gebbie and John Hardie were among my early memories; no doubt our youngsters today will be remembering both George S-K and Liam in years to come.
Our second graduate has emerged too. Well done Myles La Bastide, we look forward to seeing you play soon.
Paul Armitage
#UTA
