🏆 West Riding County Cup
📅 Tuesday, 24th September
📍 Longfield Avenue, HD7 4BP
⏰ 7:45 PM Kick-off

Bradford (Park Avenue) make the trip to face Golcar United tonight in the West Riding County Cup, with both teams eyeing progression in the competition. Avenue will be looking to bounce back from a tough week, while Golcar have been in strong form and present a formidable challenge.

Golcar United’s Season So Far

Golcar United have enjoyed a fantastic start to their 2024/25 campaign, currently sitting 3rd out of 20 in the league with 18 points from 8 games. They opened their season with an impressive 4-1 win over Penistone Church and followed it up with an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round win against Padiham, winning 1-0 in a replay after a 1-1 draw.

Their momentum carried on with league victories over Rossington Main (4-2) and Campion (2-1), but they did face heartbreak in the cups—first with a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Thackley and then a 6-5 penalty shootout loss to New Mills in the FA Vase following a 2-2 draw.

Golcar did get some revenge against Thackley in the league with a 2-1 victory, although recent defeats to Albion Sports (3-2) and Beverley Town (2-1) tested their resilience. However, they returned to form with a 2-1 win over Barton Town and a dominant 4-0 victory against Bottesford Town last time out.

George Doyle is Golcar’s danger man, with 8 goals in all competitions this season, supported by Ryan Hall and Callum Petch, both on 3 goals each. Avenue’s defense will need to be sharp to keep them quiet.

Avenue’s Current Form

For Bradford (Park Avenue), it’s a chance to reset after a difficult run of results. A 2-1 loss to Ashington in the league last Tuesday was followed by an FA Trophy exit on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat to Ossett United. Manager Craig Elliott will be looking for a strong response tonight, using the cup tie as an opportunity to restore confidence and kickstart a positive run of form.

It’s set to be an exciting clash under the lights at Longfield Avenue! Join us for a thrilling cup night as we take on Golcar United. Let’s get behind the lads and push for victory!

#GreenArmy #BPAFC #WRCC #UpTheAvenue

Competition: FA Trophy (2nd Qualifying Round)
Date: Today, Saturday, 21st September 2024
Kick-off: 3:00 pm
Venue: Ingfield Stadium, Prospect Rd, Ossett WF5 9HL
Admission:

• £10 Adults • £7 Concessions • £2.50 Under 16s

Bradford (Park Avenue) travels to face Ossett United at Ingfield Stadium for a pivotal FA Trophy clash today. Both teams are determined to progress, with Ossett United looking to regain form after a challenging start to the season, and Avenue aiming to extend their positive momentum under manager Craig Elliott.

Ossett United’s Recent Form

Ossett United comes into the game off the back of a 3-1 home defeat to North Ferriby. Despite Lewis Richardson’s first-half equaliser, Ossett couldn’t find a way back into the match, ultimately conceding two more goals in the second half. Their defense will need to step up, but their resilience was on display in their previous FA Trophy encounter, where they drew 1-1 with Stalybridge and advanced with a 7-6 victory in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Manager Dave Wild has worked to rejuvenate his squad, bringing in several young and promising talents, who will be eager to make an impact today:

• Connor Brady: The 18-year-old midfielder on loan from Buxton has brought energy and leadership to Ossett’s midfield, having previously captained the Buxton Academy. • Aleks Petrovic: A 21-year-old goalkeeper from Emley, Petrovic will be key to stabilizing Ossett’s defense and preventing Avenue from capitalizing on any defensive lapses. • Leon Gibson-Booth: An 18-year-old left-back on loan from York City, Gibson-Booth adds versatility to Ossett’s backline and will look to contain Avenue’s attacking threats. • Billy Marshall: Another 18-year-old, Marshall, also from York City, brings creativity to the midfield and will be crucial in linking defense to attack.

Ossett will rely heavily on their top scorer and former Avenue player Eddie Church, who has two goals this season. Harry Lynn, Jamie Sharman, and Conner Williamson are also capable of adding to their attacking threats, and they’ll be hungry to make an impact in today’s crucial cup tie.

Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Preparation

Bradford (Park Avenue) enters today’s fixture with growing confidence. Under new manager Craig Elliott, the team has shown improved performances and will look to capitalise on Ossett United’s recent defensive struggles.

With Ossett’s defense vulnerable in recent matches, Avenue will aim to exploit any gaps and secure a place in the next round. The Green Army will be expecting a strong showing away from home.

FA Trophy History

This is the first-ever FA Trophy meeting between Ossett United and Bradford (Park Avenue), adding extra intrigue to today’s match. For Ossett, a win would equal their best-ever FA Trophy run.

With both teams eager to make their mark, it’s set to be a thrilling encounter. Kick-off is at 3:00 pm, and the Green Army will be in full voice, backing their team to secure victory and advance to the next round.

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to announce the signing of 24-year-old defender Elie Ikwa on a deal until the end of the season. This marks the first signing under new manager Craig Elliott, who is looking to strengthen the squad as we push forward in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Elie joins us with a wealth of experience from his time at Peterhead, Racing Club Warwick, Solihull, and Carlton Town. His journey in football has seen him develop into a formidable defender, and we are excited to welcome him to the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Now ready to take on a new challenge with Bradford (Park Avenue), Elie is eager to contribute to the team’s success. His defensive skills and experience will be a valuable addition as we continue our season.

Elie Ikwa will be available for selection on and is expected to quickly become an integral part of our team. We are confident that his addition will bolster our squad, and we look forward to seeing him in action.

Please join us in welcoming Elie Ikwa to the Avenue family and in marking the beginning of a new era under Craig Elliott!