28 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Farsley 5-0 Avenue

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A second half capitulation saw Bradford (Park Avenue) hammered at near neighbours Farsley Celtic.

Avenue were on top for the first period, missing a handful of chances before two penalties and three set-pieces gifted play-off chasing Farsley a victory.

Mark Bower’s visitors had some early danger to deal with as Tom Nicholson failed to gather a Farsley free-kick, and as Tom Allen looked set to prod the loose ball home, somehow Ryan Toulson got back to deny a certain goal.

The pitch was proving problematic for both sides as home goalkeeper Kyle Trenerry saw a miscued effort cannon dangerously off Lewis Knight, who saw a shot blocked away before he was forced off injured after just 19 minutes.

Avenue were well on top of their opponents as Isiah Bazeley, one of two changes to Bower’s starting 11, saw a low effort blocked away before Alex Hurst stung Trennery’s palms after cutting inside.

That preceeded a frantic last five minutes of the half, which saw both sides have their eyes on opening the scoring.

First, Hurst burst forward on the left, finding Johnson who couldn’t work room for a strike, Isaac Marriott’s eventual effort flying just wide.

Johnson then worked space in the area for a powerful strike which Trenerry again held at the second attempt, before Avenue’s biggest chance of the half.

A ricochet in midfield put Hurst through on goal but he couldn’t beat an onrushing Trenerry as the ball just wouldn’t settle for a strike.

And straight up the other end, Nicholson had to be at his best as a fortuotous bounce saw the loose ball fall Will Hayhurst’s way, but his low effort was well saved by the legs of Avenue’s number one.

Nicky Clee then saw an effort blocked by former Avenue man Adam Clayton, before Tom Allen flashed a dangerous cross across the face of Nicholson’s goal moments before the half-time whistle.

But immediately after the break, Avenue capitulated as Cartman opened the scoring little over two minutes into the half.

Bradford failed to defend a deep free-kick which Clayton volleyed across goal, Cartman there to bundle the ball over the line at the back post.

And less than two minutes later, Farsley were gifted the chance to double their lead as Marriott appeared to have prevent the danger from Tyler Walton’s burst into the box, but the Huddersfield loanee attempted a slide tackle, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Hayhurst, who had been wrongly announced as the scorer of the first, stepped up and found the bottom corner giving Farsley a two-goal lead after just five minutes of the second period.

It was a complete turnaround from the first half as Avenue couldn’t get out of their half, and their inability to defend set-pieces was their downfall once more.

A corner came in from the left on 63 minutes and fell perfectly for Dave Syers, who lashed home on the half-volley.

The pick of the goals came moments later, again as Avenue failed to clear a corner, the ball was headed around and found its way to centre-back Jack Higgins, who acrobatically volleyed the ball into the top corner, wheeling away in wild celebration.

Nicholson was still alert, keeping out a Hayhurst header which looked bound for the top corner, before Reece Staunton did brilliantly to get back as Syers was in on goal, the number one then unconventionally saving Luke Parkin’s follow-up with his feet.

There was time late in the day for Farsley to add a fifth as another ridiculous slide tackle came in in the area, and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot again. Hayhurst picked himself up and converted once more to round off the scoring.

There was a moment to celebrate for Avenue in the second period, as Jamie Lyons came off the bench for his league debut, the first time an Avenue Academy graduate has appeared for the first team.

Farsley Celtic: Trenerry, Richards, Allen, C.Atkinson, Higgins, Clayton (c), Walton (B.Atkinson 79), Syers, Cartman (Parkin 71), Hayhurst, Francis

Subs not used: Wynne, Ellis, Regan

Goals: Cartman (48), Hayhurst (50P), Syers (63), Higgins (65)

Booked: Higgins (66), Allen (74)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Nicholson, Toulson, Staunton, Lowe (c), Priestley, Bazeley (Lyons 73), Knight (O.Johnson 19), Marriott, Clare, Hurst, Clee (Hughes 73)

Subs not used: Lund, Dickinson

Referee: Dean Hulme

Attendance: 784

26 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-2 York City

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Bradford (Park Avenue) remain bottom of the National League North after a 2-0 defeat at home to York City. 

Goals at either side of the half from Kieran Green and Jordan Burrows gifted York their first win this month after previously going three games without a win. 

It was a very lively start to the game, and despite York controlling the majority of the possession for most periods, chances came and went for either team. Alex Hurst came antagonisingly close to breaking the deadlock for the Avenue in the first real big chance of the game but his left-footed effort from just inside the York box rolled wide of the post with York keeper Pete Jameson looking beaten. 

Almost instantly after that Avenue chance, York had a huge one of their own when Kieran Green raced clear on the right-hand side in the Avenue half, his low cross into the box then just narrowly evaded the incoming striker, Jordan Burrows, to keep the scores at 0-0, although both sides really should have gone ahead within that two minute period. 

Afterwards, there were small chances for both teams, Tom Clare shot over from around 25 yards out on a half volley but it was York City who struck with the all-important first goal of the game; sloppy play from the Avenue resulted in Nicholson having to make a decent save from a York header, but the rebound from the save fell to Kieran Green and the York man made no mistake in slotting the ball home to give the visitors the lead. 

From then on, Avenue’s confidence seemed wounded and York began to take more and more control of the game with the away side putting the Avenue defence under an increasing amount of pressure, with the biggest chance coming from Kieran Green who’s header from McLaughlin’s free kick struck off the post, but their efforts into building onto their lead were unsuccessful heading into half time. 

When the sides returned from half time, it didn’t take long for York to strike the deadly blow, which came in the form of a 2nd goal for the visitors courtesy of captain Burrows. The York striker gave York complete control, heading the ball into the net after some brilliant work on the right hand side of the Avenue area from Kallum Griffiths.  

The second goal for York seemed to awaken the Avenue side for a brief spell, and they came so close to getting themselves back into the game but Tom Clare couldn’t connect onto a wonderful ball that was sent in from Alex Hurst. 

From then on, the sting seemed to be taken out of the game with not much created – York happy to let Avenue see more of the ball, but remaining resolute at the back to ensure that they wouldn’t concede. 

The game continued but Avenue looked out of answers, and on a dull afternoon in West Yorkshire, it was another dull result for an Avenue side who need to start picking up points very soon to have a chance of avoiding the drop. 

Bradford (Park Avenue): Nicholson, Toulson (Bazeley 74), Staunton, Lowe (c), Priestley, Royle, Knight, Hurst, Clare, O.Johnson (Marriott 58), Clee (Hughes 74)

Subs not used: Green, Lyons

Booked: Bazeley (89)

York City: Jameson, Griffiths, Ferguson, Newton, Tait, McLaughlin, Langstaff (Durrell 76), Moke, Burrow (c), Green (Bond 86), Kempster (King 86)

Subs not used: Maguire, Whitley

Goals: Green (26), Burrow (51)

Booked: Ferguson (89)

Referee: Simeon Lucas

Attendance: 1,127

21 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Spennymoor Town 3-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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It was yet another league away defeat for the Avenue as they fell 3-0 to Spennymoor Town on a bitterly disappointing Saturday afternoon in County Durham. 

In a game in which the hosts dominated possession, the Avenue knew that when the chances came, they had to take them but unfortunately that wasn’t the case as they were unable to find their clincial nature when they needed it the most. 

It was a quiet beginning to the game, the home side had the majority of the possession but didn’t really show much attacking intent as Avenue defended well. A couple of decent chances fell Avenue’s way before Spennymoor opened the scoring, the most notable chances coming for Tom Clare and Isaac Marriott. 

Clare’s opportunity came just after the 20 minute mark – some sublime play down the left from Oli Johnson allowed to him to find Nicky Clee in space who’s cross into the box met the head of Clare who outleaped the Spennymore defence, but his header was saved by Gould, who enjoyed a fine afternoon in net for the hosts. 

Almost instantly after that chance, though, Spennymoor had one of their own. Earing found space and ran into the Avenue half, and his through ball to Ramshaw allowed Ramshaw to get a strike off on goal which hit the bar. 

A couple of early subs were then forced for Mark Bower’s side with Adam Nowakowski, making his 100th appearance for the Avenue, substituted off after just half an hour, and he was shortly followed by Mitch Lund with both men leaving with suspected injuries. 

Spennymoor took the lead in the 33rd minute through Ramshaw, who was played through on goal and calmly slotted past Avenue debutant Nicholson. 

Coming out of half time, Avenue’s performance improved as they enjoyed more of the possession, but that possession didn’t translate to too many chances – the best one falling to Tom Clare, who shot just wide after doing well to create himself some space just inside the Spennymoor box. 

Despite Avenue being the better team in the second half, it was Spennymoor who scored the crucial second goal of the game through Mark Anderson, who then also made it 3-0 with a wonderful half volley from 25 yards out which capped off an unfortunate afternoon for Bradford. 

Magnay was given his marching orders by the ref deep into stoppage time after receiving his second yellow of the game, but it was too little too late for the Avenue who now face the difficult task of playing York City on Boxing Day. 

19 Dec 2019

MATCH PREVIEW: Spennymoor Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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The Avenue travel to The Brewery Field this weekend (21/12/19) to take on Spennymoor Town as they return to league action for the first time in 2 weeks. 

Bradford are coming off a busy week, which included two cup games – the first, last weekend, ending in a 2-2 draw with Halesowen Town, before losing the replay on Tuesday night 2-0. The Avenue can now look forward to focusing solely on the league as they look to fight off relegation just one season after making the playoffs. 

Spennymoor, meanwhile, return back to their home field after a lengthy absence – their last home game occurring just over a month ago in which they ran out 1-0 winners over Southport. Since then, however, they are winless in their last three with draws in the league against Telford United and Leamington, as well as a loss to the latter in the FA Trophy. 

Avenue are on an up-and-down run of form, with wins against Gloucester City and Altrincham over the last month also being met with losses against Chester FC and Halesowen Town, they will now be looking to find some consistency in getting positive results in order to support them in their fight against relegation this term – with just a point behind Blyth Spartans, and six points off the drop, this busy festive period coming up presents the perfect chance for the Avenue to do just that. 

A number of key players should be in line to return to the squad following a week of being cup-tied due to the FA Trophy — the likes of Nicky Clee, Tom Clare and Jon Royle will be chomping at the bit to get back to action after being forced to miss out in the two cup games against Halesowen Town. 

It all marks the last game before Christmas, but the start of a very busy and entertaining festive period!

16 Dec 2019

MATCH PREVIEW: Halesowen Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to the West Midlands on Tuesday night as they play Halesowen Town in the replay of their Buildbase FA Trophy tie.  

The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Horsfall Stadium on Saturday, meaning that the Avenue will now have to travel to The Grove as both teams look to secure their spot into the second round of the competition to play Maidenhead United, who were 4-2 victors at home against Hemel Hempstead. 

In what, for most parts, seemed like a very cagey affair, it was Lewis Knight and Keith Lowe who scored the goals to secure the Avenue a second chance at winning the tie in a very cold and blistery afternoon. A difficult game is to be expected at The Grove, however, as Halesowen have scored 8 goals in just their last two home games, one of which was a 6-0 drubbing of Bedford Town. 

Outside of the FA Trophy, with a week off for most teams in the National League North, the Avenue remain bottom of the table but still just a point off Blyth Spartans and six points off Kettering Town who occupy the two spots above. The Avenue travel to the Brewery Field this weekend to take on sixth place Spennymoor Town. 

With the draw on Saturday, that now makes it just one loss in their last four fixtures for Bradford, who are starting to pick up a decent bit of form — their best of the season so far — and hopefully can translate it into more wins as we enter a busy festive period. 

The club will be running a supporter’s coach for the game tomorrow (17/12/2019), with seats costing £16 for adults and £10 for under 16’s. You can reserve a seat by contacting Neil Fawcett on 07811959003. We hope to see you there! 

14 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Bradford (Park Avenue) 2-2 Halesowen Town

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A replay will have to be played to see who advances to the second round of the FA Trophy after Bradford and Halesowen played out a 2-2 draw at the Horsfall Stadium. 

It was a very cagey affair to begin, both teams seemingly having to get accustomed to the weather, which was at its winter worst. 

Not much was created in the opening 15 minutes. Both teams enjoyed their fair share of possession but couldn’t break through the back line. The biggest chance fell to Lewis Knight — a very daring ball was sent over the top which took the Halesowen defence by surprise, Knight was able to race through but was beaten to the ball by goalkeeper Brendan Burr who was able to clear. 

Just minutes later, however, it was that man Lewis Knight who broke the deadlock to give the Avenue the lead. A mistake from the Halesowen defender who mistimed the ball allowed Lewis Knight to slot the ball into the bottom left corner of the net – it was a wonderful finish from the team’s top scorer, who had his back turned to goal, and had to turn quickly to stop the on-rushing goalkeeper from being able to gather the ball. 

The lead didn’t last long, though, as Halesowen equalised just minutes later through wing back Robert Evans – a burst of pace from the number 2 saw him race through on goal, and with only Joe Green to beat, he smashed the ball into the Avenue net to bring the teams level. 

After a slow second half, it picked up in the final 20 minutes. Halesowen awarded a penalty which Ashley Sammons smashed into the top right corner of the Avenue net.  

Halesowen then looked to cling onto the lead, but in the 83rd minute captain Keith Lowe equalised for the Avenue, headering the ball into the net after the ball was played in to give the hosts hope of an unlikely comeback. 

Avenue then had a chance to steal the win, but Andre Johnson’s late effort struck the post as the game finished 2-2.  

The sides will now meet in a replay at Halesowen this Tuesday (17th December) to see who advances to the 2nd round.

11 Dec 2019

MATCH PREVIEW: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Halesowen Town

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The Avenue play host to Halesowen Town in the first round of the FA Trophy this weekend in what is an important game for both sides.

Bradford are coming into the fixture off the back of an important victory last weekend against Altrincham, winning 2-0 at home against one of the league’s in form sides and return home to the Horsfall Stadium this weekend to play hosts once again.

Halesowen, meanwhile, are on a brilliant run of form — being awarded club of the month for the Southern League Central — due to their streak of seven wins out of seven in which they scored 23 goals and conceded just one.

Halesowen come into the cup tie sitting third in their respective division despite the fact that they have played multiple games less than the teams around them and occupy games in hand which, if won, could push them to the top of the table.

Coming into last weekend, the Avenue were without a win in their last six league games, but that bad run of form was put to an end with a 2-0 victory over Altrincham at home courtesy of goals from home debutant Tom Clare and Oli Johnson, and despite the results – are starting to show the performances, that got them into the playoffs last season. Halesowen, meanwhile, are also trending in a very positive direction, without a loss in twelve, with their last three victories combining for a score of 13-0.

Both teams secured qualification into the FA Trophy with hard fought victories – Avenue winning their final qualification game 2-0 away at Gloucester City, while Halesowen secured their qualification with a 1-0 win at home to Gateshead and will be hoping to extend their stay in the competition with a victory here.

It all makes for what should be a very fun and entertaining game at the Horsfall Stadium.

Season tickets do not apply as this is a cup game. No ticket required just pay on the turnstiles. 

Match day prices are as follows:
Adults – £10
Concessions/Students – £8
Under 17’s – £1

7 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT | Bradford (Park Avenue) 2-0 Altrincham FC

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Match Report by George Cliff

Bradford (Park Avenue) secured a vital 3 points at the Horsfall stadium on Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Altrincham. 

It was a cagey opening 10 minutes with neither side being able to create much, although Altrincham enjoyed the better of the possession. However, on the 11th minute, seemingly out of nothing the Avenue were able to break away on the far left with Oli Johnson playing a superb cross to Nicky Clee who then placed a fine ball across goal which fell to Tom Clare to tap into the net on his home debut to give Bradford a 1-0 lead. 

Nothing much happened afterwards leading into half time. Altricham continued to dominate the majority of the possession, but it was the Avenue who had the better of the chances. Oli Johnson had a decent shot saved by keeper Anthony Thompson, while Thompson again made a fine save from Lewis Knight’s header minutes later to keep the score at 1-0. 

Altrincham’s best chance of the half came through Thomas Peers, who was able to race through into a one-on-one battle with Joe Green, however, after trying to round the Avenue goalkeeper, his shot hit the bar. 

Coming out of the half, Bradford looked more comfortable to sit back to try and hold on to the lead. A big chance fell to Jon Royle who’s shot was brilliantly saved by Thompson to keep Altrincham in the game. 

It was a fabulous performance from the Altrincham goalkeeper who managed to keep them in the game – that was, until, the 88th minute when Oli Johnson was able to secure the victory for the Avenue after a wonderfully taken goal in which he was able to round Thompson after a burst of pace left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and then slot into the empty net. 

The victory earns a much needed three points for the Avenue who next week are in cup action at home against Halesowen Town in the first round of the FA Trophy. 

16 Nov 2019

Duo Leave On Loan

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Jon Moran and Brad Dockerty have both left the club on loan, joining Stafford Rangers and Pontefract Collieries respectively.

Both players joined the club in the summer, but have struggled to force their way into the side recently, with injury and illness hampering their progress.

Dockerty in particular impressed fans over the summer and has grabbed three league goals so far this term, with his move to Pontefract coming due to a change in personal circumstances.

Avenue boss Mark Bower explained: “Brad’s work patterns have changed recently and he has been struggling to commit to training over the past couple of weeks.

“The loan spell will give him a chance to play games again, and we can keep an eye on his progress.

“Together with Brad we will re-assess the situation when his loan spell ends.”

Dockerty will join Pontefract until January, while centre-back Moran has signed an initial one-month loan deal with Stafford.

The defender has been out injured after starting the season with a string of appearances, but is yet to feature under Bower.

“Game time will be of great benefit to Jon,” the Bradford manager said.

“He hasn’t featured over the past few weeks due to a minor injury, and he needs to now get back on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Cieron Keane and Kemy Agustien have both left the club following short spells at Avenue.

The club would like to thank the pair for their efforts while with the club, and wish them all the best for the future.

9 Nov 2019

Match Report: Avenue 2-3 King’s Lynn

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King’s Lynn twice came from behind at the Horsfall Stadium to leave Avenue bottom of the league and winless in five matches.

An Adam Marriott brace followed by Sonny Carey’s 87th minute winner in a frantic second half saw King’s Lynn run out winners, despite Lewis Knight and Oli Johnson twice having Bradford in front.

The game was pushed back to an eventual 3.45pm kick-off time, following visitors King’s Lynn becoming stuck in traffic on their mammoth journey to Bradford.

And it was the away side who had the first sight at goal, Ryan Jarvis slipping as the ball dropped from the game’s first corner, before Jordan Richards fired wide from the edge of the box.

Bradford then went straight up the other end and created their first chance, Dan Sweeney’s low cross just couldn’t find Knight, before Mitch Lund saw his effort blocked away.

On 17 minutes though, Avenue went ahead as Knight took advantage of a mistake.

Rory McAuley gave the ball away on the half-way line, Avenue’s number seven intercepting his pass before racing past him and slotting confidently into the bottom corner with his left foot.

At the other end, Liam Hughes – playing in the centre of a back three – saw his blushes spared as he headed just wide of his own goal, attempting to cut out Marriott’s header across goal.

Joe Green was then called into action as Avenue were caught out by a short corner, Chris Henderson shooting low from the left, the home goalkeeper smuggling his effort away with a decent save.

Bradford were pressing well and forcing their opposition into mistakes, Sweeney finding himself with time and space on the edge of the box, though he could only strike wide with his left foot.

As the board went up to display one minute’s added time at the end of the first half, the visitors came close once more, as Marriott flashed a header just wide of the post with Green stranded.

Green did have a save to make just after the break, Michael Gash finding time and space at the back post, but his low effort was well kept out by the Bradford number one.

It was the dangerous Marriott who commenced the comeback just before the hour, as Avenue got caught out from a cross, Green failing to punch clear and the number 10 just about managing to force the ball home.

Knight then caused danger as his cross dropped over the head of the defender, before he was forced off, and it was his replacement Johnson who put Bradford back in front.

McAuley again was the cause of his side’s downfall, a short backpass allowing Johnson in, the returning attacker rounding the goalkeeper before slotting in his first goal since rejoining the club last week.

Avenue were almost caught out in incredible circumstances from the restart, with Mitch Lund receiving treatment, Mark Bower was orchestrating a reshuffle.

But as Lund hobbled off, the referee allowed the visitors to restart, allowing them to race clear on the far side, but the furious Bradford players just about got back to avert the danger.

Just over 10 minutes later, King’s Lynn equalised again through Marriott, the striker doing brilliantly in possession, spreading play wide to Sam Kelly who delivered an excellent cross which the forward planted into the top corner with a perfect header.

And with little over three minutes on the clock, the visitors snatched all three points.

Bradford failed to properly clear a corner, and with a number of players trying to get a foot on the ball, Carey emerged into a pocket of space and placed a finish low into the bottom corner.

There was time for one last Avenue chance, Sweeney picking up a loose ball and seeing goalkeeper Alex Street off his line, but his effort from 25 yards out slipped just past the post.

King’s Lynn did end the game on a sour note, however, as striker Michael Gash was sent off in injury time. After being shown a yellow card for timewasting in the fourth minute of stoppage time, he was then sent off in the sixth for leaving a high foot in in the corner.

With a number of injuries, Avenue will be thankful to not have a midweek game, and next up is the visit of Leamington on Saturday 9 November.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Lund (A.Johnson 74), Priestley, Lowe (c), Hughes, Bazeley, Knight (O.Johnson 69), Royle, Sweeney, Marriott, Nowakowski

Subs not used: Dickinson, Rathbone

Goals: Knight (17), O.Johnson (71)

King’s Lynn Town: Street, Jones, Fox (Hawkins 81), Jarvis (Carey 58), Ward, McAuley, Clunan (c), Richards, Gash, Marriott, Henderson (Kelly 58)

Subs not used: Barrows, Payne

Goals: Marriott (58, 83), Carey (87)

Booked: Ward (61), McAuley (67), Gash (90+4)

Sent Off: Gash (90+6)

Referee: Dean Watson

Attendance: 416