MATCH PREVIEW – BUXTON FC (A)

BRADFORD (Park Avenue) visit Derbyshire this Saturday to play newly promoted Buxton FC at The Tarmac Silverlands.

Mark Bower’s men head into this game after a fantastic 2-1 win against Boston United last weekend, a performance which was praised by fans as the best of the season.

It was a slow start for both teams, however, Jake Wright made the first proper effort on Sykes-Kenworthy’s goal in the 15th minute.  His shot from outside the box sailed over the crossbar.

Avenue man Jamie Spencer was up next, firing a fantastic effort that nearly broke the deadlock, but he couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Pilgrims finally got one up on Avenue with a good finish from Jake Wright putting Boston ahead in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, Avenue were the better side, with Sam Fielding and Jordan Preston both having chances.

It was reliable midfielder Simon Richman who hooked the ball into the roof of the net, equalising for Avenue with a brilliant low cross from Lucas Odunston.

Under pressure from the Boston defence, Jordan Preston managed a well struck shot but his effort was saved by Sam Long.

Then, in the 75th minute, with an unreal cross from ex-Bradford City man Reece Staunton, Jacob Blyth headed the ball past Long and Avenue were ahead.

The defence held firm against late Boston pressure, with the Avenue fans chanting and cheering all the way into the four minutes of added time.

Mark and Danny will now look to improve their form further with a point or three in Derbyshire, a place which has proved fruitful for Avenue so far, drawing against a strong Alfreton side and all whilst struggling with injuries and illnesses in the Bradford squad.

The last time Avenue and Buxton met was on 8 December 2015 in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup when Avenue won 2-1 away.

Buxton go into the game after a 4-0 defeat at League 1 side Ipswich Town in the FA Cup.  In the league Buxton have had some tough fixtures, losing 4-2 to Blyth and 1-0 to Scarborough.  However, before these setbacks they had pulled off wins against Gloucester, Darlington Southport.

They will be looking to bounce back, so Avenue will have to be at their best to sneak a result.

If you are travelling to the Silverlands, follow the link here for directions.

Tickets are purchased on the gate, and are priced at £15 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 16-21s, £2 for 5-15s and under-5s are free with a paying Adult.

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (26/11/22)

posted in: News | 0

Our 3G pitch was professionally tested recently and approved for football up to league standards and for international and top class rugby league games. Of course the FL still insist on grass pitches, ignoring the wider commercial value of multi-use pitches to cash-strapped clubs which seems very short-sighted.

We are looking at grants to improve the upper field grass pitches and lighting, so that we can use them for both football and rugby. We are also looking at grants for a Multi-Use Grass Area (MUGA) pitch at the Park Road end inside the stadium for 5 a side games. This will attract junior and senior teams and attract more investment. These plans and requests take time but we continue to convert Horsfall into a Stadium with increasing potential for teams and leagues in the local community and beyond. Let’s hope we don’t get the snow and fog we had last year at this time.

You may have seen that our main Academy team, led by Pat McGuire, continue to have success in their league with six wins on the trot and I hope we may see one or two of these lads playing some part  in the upcoming game against Brighouse. Progress is good and from Juniors to Academy this is an exciting part of the club now. For prospective sponsors you can link your name to our future stars and successes. – Read the Match Report on this game by clicking here

We are still waiting for the National League to distribute the funds given them by the Premier League to share amongst clubs and for the NL to explain their plans with BT on streaming games. It is frustrating having to wait for these income generating plans to come off.These are tough times for many people and that knocks on to  non league clubs with bills and staff to pay.

Season ticket holders of Premier League and Championship teams can watch our games at a special reduced rate and England fans can watch our World Cup games in the Function suite with a pie and peas offer from the Development Fund, who are also selling tickets for their Christmas Raffle.

We value all those taking up these promotions.

Paul Armitage

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (PA) 2 – 1 Boston United

JACOB BLYTH INSPIRES AN AVENUE COMEBACK AS THEY STEAL ALL THREE POINTS FROM BOSTON UNITED IN A FIESTY AFFAIR

Bradford (Park Avenue) were victorious as goals from Simon Richman & super-sub Jacob Blyth helped The Avenue defeat a stubborn Boston United side. 

The Avenue looked to start well as they chased their first win in November. Boston wanted to bounce back after a 4-1 defeat to AFC Fylde on Tuesday. Both teams aimed to climb up the table with BPA not wanting to remain in the relegation zone. 

Bradford (Park Avenue), without a win in 4 league fixtures, grew into the game around the ten minute mark as a long ball over the top from Sam Fielding found Jordan Preston in the area who was beaten to the ball by a strong Boston defence. 

The deadlock was nearly broken in the 19th minute as a ball dropped to Jamie Spencer who struck a sweet volley, that could’ve been a goal of the season contender had it gone in. Both teams continued to grow into the game with each side throwing attacks at each other. 

Chance of the half came in the 27th minute to former Hashtag United player Scott Pollock who set himself to shoot but it was brilliantly defended by Mitch Lund, with a superb block. 

The deadlock was broken just before half time as Jake Wright was there to tap it home, thanks to a piercing ball across the box from Sam Mclintock to put Boston United ahead. 

The second half began as tense as the first, as there continued to be scuffles across the pitch between opposing players. The Avenue were the stronger of the sides in the opening ten minutes of the second half as they looked for a much needed equalizer. 

The Avenue came very close to a leveler as a cross found the feet of Brad Dockerty, whose shot was cleared off the line valiantly by Ben Pollock. 

A substitution that The Avenue faithful wanted to see as Jacob Blyth came on for Brad Dockerty in the 63rd minute. 

Bradford (Park Avenue) found a way back in the 67th minute due to great work by Lucas Odunston who assisted Simon Richman for his second goal of the season. Richman found himself free in the 6 yard box before firing his shot into the roof of the net. 

There were insane scenes as the home side grabbed a winner in the 75th minute as Jacob Blyth buried his header into the bottom corner after latching onto a fantastic cross from Reece Staunton. 

This result takes Bradford (Park Avenue) within one point of Kettering Town outside of the relegation zone. The Avenue go into a real battle against Buxton next Saturday as a win would surely see them escape the relegation zone. 

Match Report by Lucas Heslop! @lucasheslop_sj

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (19/11/22)

posted in: News | 0

Reflecting on the previous couple of years since my own deeper involvement with the club we have survived the pandemic and are getting back on a more even keel after temporarily losing our managers and happily rehiring them! The sad loss of our company secretary, Colin, and his knowledge and scouting was a deep and unexpected loss.

We have since separated the stadium operation from the football side of the business in terms of allocating responsibilities. Martin Knight with Mark Bower and Danny Boshell run the footballing operation with Tom McStravick and his coaches running and growing the Junior and Academy teams.

Calum Cullen operates across both elements as the Football Secretary and the Stadium Manager.

In effect he has two jobs in one.

Plenty of good communication is needed with the National League and all clubs in NLN to ensure we are compliant and responsive. He registers players, runs the stadium payroll, oversees pitch bookings and room bookings. He ensures matchdays are fully staffed, liaises with our new security company, operates the new shop and shack, organises new board sponsorships from initiating sales to getting the boards organised (more than ever before.)

He ensures we have a video record of the game and tries to get radio commentators and all with income and cost control targets to hit. He has recruited Bradford City Ladies to play and pay for pitch time, amongst others. We have hosted two international matches now, one soccer, one rugby league and can build our reputation as hosts. He must balance the multiplicity of expectations from all stadium users and solve all operational problems.

Tom McStravick and his team of qualified coaches run the Juniors and Academy teams and they have enlarged this part of the club and they are looking at engagement with close to 400 aspiring youngsters. He has established links with other local clubs and the Bradford Boys experts. He has links with his roots in Ireland and has grown connections with Man Utd and Sheffield Utd to try find and develop the future footballers we need. This both costs money and creates income and is operating for the long-term benefit of the club. Our U19 first team successes on the pitch are the seeds of future success in NLN.

If we can operate the Stadium company so that it no longer costs money to run, and we can grow the community network of young players, we can help with the continuing education of local youngsters and at the same time we aim to improve the fabric of the stadium so it is fit for purpose.

Major capital investment has come from Gareth and from available grants, with some help from loans. The Pavilion has been improved thanks to a council loan so that all the changing rooms are fit for purpose at last and plumbing, drainage and electrics have been improved.

We will soon be improving the toilets alongside the Pavilion. We know there is more to do – on toilets and disabled facilities and we continue to search for grants that will make a difference.

Meanwhile Calum has been using young novices, apprentices and volunteers to help matchdays and other income opportunities. Everyone employed must earn their salaries and more, develop skills and add value. He gets help from them to put the programme together, do some social media work and/or earn money from retail sales.

When I look at other NLN clubs on away visits, I’m always amazed at just how much is delegated to full time employees and how few people we rely on.

Everyone is helping to keep costs down and to create income so that we can afford to operate the football team successfully at NL level. We are helped by the Supporters’ Development Fund who create income from events and volunteer work which helps Martin, Mark and Danny to get players when they need to find extra funding over their allocated budgets.

Lots of changes, lots of facility improvements, an improved stadium and a team that will hold its own in NLN, which is key for all of us. The infamous ‘powers that be’ are the people you see working around the stadium. They are few and very hard working and, like me, often volunteers. No mysterious strangers and indeed we have added Neil Fawcett to the Stadium Director team, which is constituted with representatives of BPA, West Bowling and Bradford and Airedale Athletics Club, plus a Harold Park rep. Neil and Ben are stalwart volunteer helpers often seen together helping BPA at all times.The directors are led by a local man, Robert Clunas, with strong connections to Horsfall, its neighbours and councillors. If you feel you can help us by volunteering, please contact Calum. He has shown a great talent for coping with the challenges of a changing environment.

Paul’s notes will be posted every Thursday after a home match – So stay tuned to our website and socials!

WORLD CUP OFFER EXTENDED TO BRADFORD CITY SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We can confirm that the World Cup half price offer currently on offer to Premier League and Championship season ticket holders has now been extended to include season ticket holders at Bradford City for both the Boston game on Saturday and the AFC Telford game on Monday 5th December!

This means Adults can now watch the games for just £7 and Concessions for a fiver!

We hope to see you at the Horsfall!

MATCH REARRANGED – SCARBOROUGH ATHLETIC (H)

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

MATCH REARRANGED – We can now confirm that our home match vs Scarborough Athletic, originally scheduled for Monday 12th December has been rearranged to Saturday 17th December and will kick off at 3pm.

Our half price entry offer for Premier League and Championship Season Ticket holders will be available for this game. If you would like to use this offer, please show your physical or digital Season Ticket at the turnstiles.

AVENUE SIGN SPENNYMOOR STRIKER JORDAN PRESTON ON LOAN

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Striker Jordan Preston from Spennymoor Town.

Jordan, who has had spells at Guiseley, FC Halifax Town, Gateshead, and Boston United joins the Avenue on a 3 month loan deal, and goes into the squad for Saturdays FA Trophy Game v Farsley Celtic.

Preston kicked off his career with Blackburn Rovers, joining the u18s and progressing to the u21s in 2013. He later headed North of the border to play on loan for Ayr United, where he helped them win promotion in the 2015-16 season. He scored the first penalty for Ayr in the play-off finals.

We’d like to give a huge thanks to Spennymoor Town for their professionalism throughout this loan deal, and also to the Development Fund for their continued financial support through the “Boost The Budget” campaign.

On the signing, Jordan said;

“I’m really happy to sign and get some games in, it’ll be good to get back to my Football again after a bit of time away. “

“I’ve played for Mark when I was younger, and I know some of the lads already so I cant wait to get going.”

Mark Bower also added;

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to bring in a player of Jordans quality – he has played the majority of his career at a higher level, and will be keen to do well and start scoring goals again after a spell on the side-lines.”

If you would like to make a donation to the Boost The Budget campaign, please contact Dave Stordy on davestordy@hotmail.co.uk

WORLD CUP OFFER – HALF PRICE ENTRY FOR ALL PREMIER LEAGUE / CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

As the World Cup grows nearer and nearer, Bradford (Park Avenue) are happy to announce our offers available at the club over the World Cup period.

All are welcome at the Horsfall Community Stadium, and admission for Premier League / Championship season ticket holders is HALF PRICE! This offer is available at the following fixtures.

Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Boston United – Saturday 26th November, 3PM KO

Bradford (Park Avenue) vs AFC Telford United – Monday 5th December, 7:45pm KO

Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Scarborough Athletic – Monday 12th December, 7:45pm KO

Alongside this offer, our clubhouse will be open and ready for all, with the England games shown LIVE on the big screen, starting with Iran on Monday 21st November with a 1pm KO, then vs the USA on Friday 25th November at 7pm and Wales on Tuesday 29th November at 7pm!

FA TROPHY PREVIEW – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Farsley Celtic

The seven-mile derby between Bradford (Park Avenue) and Farsley Celtic locking horns in the FA Trophy  

This weekend The Avenue welcome their West Yorkshire rivals to the Horsfall Stadium as they battle it out for a place in the third round of the FA Trophy.

Farsley Celtic come into the game on the back of a 4-0 defeat to playoff contenders Southport and currently find themselves languishing in the relegation zone one place below Bradford (Park Avenue) separated only by goal difference.  By contrast, Avenue are enjoying the warm afterglow of their very satisfactory 0-0 draw at Alfreton.

But this weekend is all about the FA Trophy and what that will mean to both sides.  Getting one over your rivals is sweet enough but to dump them out of a cup competition is a special sort of feeling, as both sets of fans would agree.

Last time these two met it was a narrow victory for The Avenue.  Saturday’s match will be the first of three encounters this season.  Drawing first blood will be hugely important ahead of the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.  

YouTube player
Our last time out with Farsley Celtic

Local bragging rights are at stake.  Expect a feisty affair this weekend when Farsley make the seven mile journey to the Horsfall Stadium. 

FA Trophy Admission prices – Tickets are purchased on the gate. Card/Cash is taken at the Cemetery Road turnstiles, and the Park Road turnstiles are CASH ONLY

Adults: £10
Concessions: £8
12-18s: £3
U12s: £1

MATCH REPORT – Alfreton Town 0 – 0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Bradford (Park Avenue) held firm as they earned a hard-fought and valuable point away at Alfreton

With injuries and illness plaguing the Avenue’s side, they travelled to playoff hopefuls Alfreton Town and defied the odds to come away with a valuable point.

Bradford came out with all guns blazing as they tried to catch the home side napping in the opening 10 minutes, but Alfreton’s defence was wise to their attacks limiting them to very few opportunities.

The first real chance of the half came for the home side, a great cross into the box led to an open shot on goal but George Sykes-Kenworthy was able to parry the ball away, the game opened up as both sides went on the attack both teams had their chances to open the scoring, if it wasn’t for some from some resolute defending and fine saves, the game went into the break all square.

And it was Avenue who came out stronger in the second half and had a few chances to break the deadlock, they held their own against a side that Mark Bower has tipped to be right up there challenging for the play offs by the end of the season.

Bradford, who still find themselves in a relegation battle after a poor start to the season, but after this result they can hold their heads up high, they gave a great account of themselves against a very strong Alfreton side.

After the game Mark Bower said,

“We had to throw a team together, we lost a few players to illness at the last minute, but I thought the lads were magnificent. “

“It’s a tough place to come to Alfreton, you’ve just got to look at the players they have at there disposal, these are tipped to get the playoffs and for us to come and get a draw and in all honesty, we could’ve won the game.”

He continued to say,

“I was very pleased with the squad and a great reaction from the defeat on Monday night, their determination was great, and I was really proud of them today.”

UP NEXT – We host neighbours Farsley Celtic in the FA Trophy this Saturday 19th November! Kick Off is set for 3pm at the Horsfall Community Stadium

FA Trophy Admission prices – Tickets are purchased on the gate. Card/Cash is taken at the Cemetery Road turnstiles, and the Park Road turnstiles are CASH ONLY

Adults: £10
Concessions: £8
12-18s: £3
U12s: £1