4 Nov 2019

Match Preview: Harrogate (A)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) take a break from league action this Monday evening, with a trip to Harrogate Town in the West Riding County Cup.

The match is a second round tie, but is both clubs’ first involvement in the competition following byes in the first round.

It is a repeat of the 2016 final, which Avenue won at Valley Parade, lifting their second successive County Cup trophy in the process.

Goals from Lamin Colley, Reece Webb-Foster and Richard Marshall gave Avenue victory then, and three-and-a-half years later the sides meet again in the competition, this time at the CNG Stadium.

Both will be expected to make changes for the fixture, with Harrogate coming into the match after their 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at Eastleigh on Saturday.

Avenue have the chance to give some of their fringe players a chance after three defeats on the bounce, with the likes of Jon Moran, Andre Johnson and Isaac Marriott a chance to stake their claim.

Recent League Form

Harrogate Town
Eastleigh (A) L 2-4
Barnet (H) W 2-1
Aldershot Town (H) W 1-0
Yeovil Town (A) W 2-1
Wrexham (A) D 1-1

Bradford (Park Avenue)
Kettering Town (A) L 0-4
Southport (H) L 0-3
Gloucester City (A) L 0-1
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (A) L 0-8

Last Time Out

Harrogate Town (vs Eastleigh): Belshaw, Fallowfield, G Smith (Taylor 75), Falkingham, Burrell, Beck, Kiernan (Thomson 66), Bradley (Emmett 59), Muldoon, W Smith, Diamond

Bradford (Park Avenue) (vs Kettering): Green, Lund, Priestley, Lowe (c), Hughes (Bazeley 46), Heaton (O.Johnson 60), Knight, Keane (Dockerty 46), Sweeney, Hurst, Nowakowski

Admission Prices
Adult – £5
Under-18 – £2

West Riding County Cup Second Round Draw In Full

Harrogate Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue) 4/11/19
Farsley Celtic vs Armthorpe Welfare 5/11/19
FC Halifax Town vs Yorkshire Amateur 6/11/19
Barnoldswick Town vs Steeton 12/11/19
Thackley vs Campion 12/11/19
Pontefract Collieries vs Tadcaster Albion TBC
Guiseley vs Brighouse Town TBC
Ossett United vs Eccleshill United OR Garforth Town TBC

2 Nov 2019

Match Report: Kettering 4-0 Avenue

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Bradford (Park Avenue) dropped to bottom of the league thanks to a third successive defeat at the hands of Kettering Town.

Kettering leapfrogged Avenue off the bottom with an absolute rout at Latimer Park thanks to goals from London Meikle, Connor Kennedy, Ben Milnes and Aaron O’Connor, though in truth it could have been more on a woeful afternoon for Mark Bower’s men.

The game was in doubt for most of the day, with news of a planned pitch inspection arriving as late as 11am, with the team bus well on its way. Eventually, thanks to some hard work by volunteers and the rain easing up, the match referee passed the surface as playable around 15 minutes after the Avenue coach arrived at Latimer Park.

Bower had named an unchanged starting XI for the fixture, with the returning Oli Johnson taking the place of his namesake Andre amongst the substitutes, though due to an injury in the warm-up, recent signing Cieron Keane was handed a full debut in place of Germaine Agustien.

The hosts were fastest out of the box by far and came close inside 10 minutes as Keith Lowe could only flick a cross in the direction of an unmarked Milnes, who should probably have hit the target with his volley.

Milnes definitely should have done better moments later as again Avenue couldn’t clear and he strode onto a loose ball, but could only fire over from 12 yards out.

Kettering did take the lead with 15 minutes on the clock though, on the end of a brilliant breakaway.

A sweeping move ended with a neat one-two between Daniel Nti and Gary Stohrer, with the former cutting it back to Meikle, who just about forced the ball home with a bit of a scuffed effort.

The home side were causing problems with their pace, and another breakaway almost resulted in a second goal as O’Connor got the better of Lowe, but his cross was just behind the run of Nti and the chance went begging.

It took until the half-hour for the visitors to threaten, almost drawing level through Alex Hurst. The Port Vale loanee burst onto a Billy Priestley knock-down, and his eventual shot took a wicked deflection, Kettering goalkeeper Paul White doing excellently to react and tip the ball round the post.

The half time break seemed to do nothing to reinvigorate Avenue, and Kettering were afforded the simplest of goals just 11 minutes into the half, Kennedy heading home a Milnes corner from inside the six-yard box.

And Milnes added his own goal just after the hour, Lowe pulling down O’Connor just outside the box, with the midfielder stepping up and placing the free-kick into the bottom corner.

Bradford thought they’d pulled one back with 18 minutes to spare, as the returning Johnson flicked home Dan Sweeney’s shot, but the linesman’s flag went up for offside.

Nti, who was possibly lucky to escape a second yellow card for a foul on Knight, came oh so close with a brilliant chest-and-volley, before earning his side a penalty, his opposite number seven clipping him in the box leaving the referee with no option.

O’Connor stepped up and stuttered, sending Joe Green the wrong way to complete the rout.

The Bradford goalkeeper did have time to make a great save, as Tre Milford got in behind, but the offside flag was up regardless.

Meikle should have grabbed a second in the dying minutes, as Mitch Lund’s slip allowed him in on the right, but he curled over after cutting inside.

Kettering Town: White, Stohrer, Skarz (c), Graham, McGrath, Milnes, Nti, O’Connor (Milford 83), Kennedy, Meikle, Kelly

Subs not used: Solkhon, Brighton, Carta, Sebbeh

Goals: Meikle (15), Kennedy (56), Milnes (63), O’Connor (79P)

Booked: Skarz (45), Nti (70)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Lund, Priestley, Lowe (c), Hughes (Bazeley 46), Heaton (O.Johnson 60), Knight, Keane (Dockerty 46), Sweeney, Hurst, Nowakowski

Subs not used: Marriott

Booked: Hurst (18), Hughes (45+3), Lowe (62)

Referee: Daniel Lockyer

Attendance: 625

2 Nov 2019

Johnson Returns To Avenue

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Entertaining forward Oli Johnson has returned to Bradford (Park Avenue).

Johnson was a popular figure under Mark Bower, playing a key role in the last two seasons as Avenue reached the National League North promotion play-offs.

The former Norwich City, Stockport County and Yeovil Town man first linked up with Bower during his time at Guiseley, where he was a key figure in their promotion to the National League.

He has made 92 league appearances in a Bradford shirt across the last three campaigns, with an impressive return of 32 goals.

Johnson initially joined on loan from Guiseley in November 2016, but hasn’t played since departing in the summer after taking some time out to recover from long-standing injury problems.

The attacker returns to Bower’s squad ahead of this afternoon’s trip to Kettering Town, which goes ahead after a lot of hard work from volunteers following heavy rainfall at Latimer Park.

1 Nov 2019

Match Preview: Kettering (A)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Kettering Town this Saturday looking for their first win in three games.

Avenue face fellow strugglers Kettering off the back of two successive defeats, and having dropped back down to second-bottom in the National League North.

It is a big clash between the division’s bottom two clubs, and Bradford boss Mark Bower will see it as a good opportunity to pick up some much needed points in the fight for survival.

Kettering sit one point below Avenue, who are level on points with Blyth and Curzon Ashton in the lower reaches of the division.

Saturday’s hosts, who were promoted last season with former Avenue interim manager Marcus Law at the helm, come into the game also off the back of two scoreless defeats in the league.

Their only two wins of the season have come at home though, with victories over Alfreton and AFC Telford United.

Former Barrow and Guiseley boss Paul Cox recently returned to the club he played for to attempt to turn round their fortunes and keep them in the division for a second season.

The game kicks off at 3pm, and you can join us on the official supporters’ coach, click here for more info.

Recent League Form

Bradford (Park Avenue)
Southport (H) L 0-3
Gloucester City (A) L 0-1
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (A) L 0-8
Spennymoor Town (H) D 1-1

Kettering Town
Spennymoor Town (H) L 0-2
Hereford (A) L 0-1
Alfreton Town (H) W 2-1
Farsley Celtic (A) L 2-3
Boston United (H) L 0-2

Last Time Out

Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Lund, Priestley (Keane 61), Lowe (c), Hughes (Johnson 76), Heaton, Knight (Dockerty 62), Agustien, Sweeney, Hurst, Nowakowski

Kettering Town: White (c), Stohrer, Brighton, Graham, Williams, Milnes, Nti (Carta 58), Kennedy, Mitford, Meikle (Solkhon 79), Kelly

Admission Prices
Adult – £15
Concession (Over 60, Student) – £10
Under-18 – £5

28 Oct 2019

Welcome to the MANarama National League

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For a second successive season, The National League has once again changed its competition name on a temporary basis in support of official charity partners Prostate Cancer UK.

The League’s sponsors and long-time supporters of Prostate Cancer UK, Vanarama, have again agreed to use their sponsorship in support of the leading men’s health charity until November 9th. 

Last year, the MANarama campaign raised over £150,000 to help stop prostate cancer being a killer and earned a host of industry awards.

The rebranding to MANarama features a change of competition logo for each division and will help draw attention to the fact that every forty-five minutes a man dies from prostate cancer.

Vinnie Jones, renowned football hardman and former Wealdstone midfielder, has also been signed up by Vanarama to support the campaign as an ambassador this year.

Jones met Prostate Cancer UK ambassadors Kevin Webber and Errol McKellar on Tuesday afternoon, two men affected by the disease, who will play a key role in the campaign.

Saturday’s clash between Dover Athletic and FC Halifax Town on BT Sport will be the featured match of the MANarama opening weekend. 

Starting today, Webber will be walking from Bromley FC to Saturday’s match at Crabble. Webber will be a familiar face to BT Sport viewers after delivering the match ball on the final day of the MANarama campaign in October 2018, at Halifax.

Commenting on the rebrand, The National League’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tattersall, said: “We were extremely pleased with the reaction to our temporary – and historic – rebranding to the MANarama National League during the 2018/19 campaign. It was fantastic to see so much money and awareness raised to aid the fight against prostate cancer.

“We are proud this will be taking place over a 45-day period for a second season.

“Prostate Cancer UK are our official charity partners and we couldn’t think of a charity that better reflects our football values.

“This deadly disease has no boundaries, so it’s been incredibly inspiring to see Kevin Webber raise so much awareness. He’s a remarkable man doing remarkable things and we will continue to stand alongside him, and everyone affected by prostate cancer.”

MANarama ambassador Vinnie Jones said: “I am beyond proud to back this MANarama campaign. It combines two things which are so important to me; grassroots football and fighting cancer. 

“I started playing football in Non-League so I know that these clubs are at the heart of local communities. I don’t need to explain why the fight against cancer is so important for me.

“Non-League football is proper football and I’d urge all Non-League clubs and all the proper supporters out there to raise some proper money for this brilliant cause.”

Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive, Angela Culhane, added: “Last year’s brilliant MANarama campaign really caught the imagination and we’re delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Vanarama ahead of another exciting few months.

“Money raised will help us fund more ground-breaking research and find the tools needed for a screening programme, in order to catch more prostate cancers early and save more lives.”

Donate now: justgiving.com/fundraising/bradford-park-avenue

26 Oct 2019

Match Report: Avenue 0-3 Southport

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Bradford (Park Avenue) slipped to a second successive defeat as Southport ran out 3-0 winners at a damp Horsfall Stadium.

Volunteers worked tirelessly all day to ensure the game went ahead, with only two other fixtures in the National League North taking place.

But goals from Ryan Astles, Devarn Green and David Morgan meant all the hard work was for nothing as the visitors took all three points home.

Avenue had a few sniffs at goal early on, as Dan Sweeney’s low cross just couldn’t find Lewis Knight, before Knight’s cross was headed wide by captain Keith Lowe.

Joe Green then had to be alert as Dean Winnard’s header took a late flick from an Avenue head, but the goalkeeper saved well.

Bradford then came their closest as Knight took aim from a wide free kick, almost catching out Charles Albinson, but the visiting keeper got down smartly to smuggle the ball away.

But it was Southport who took the lead, following on from a questionable free kick on the left, as Jack Doyle appeared to slip, but the referee adjudged a foul by Knight.

Devarn Green took inspiration from the Bradford man, going for goal and almost catching out his namesake Joe, who tipped it onto the bar. Adam Nowakowski couldn’t connect with the clearance though, and centre back Ryan Astles lashed home.

The goal did nothing to invigorate a scrappy half, the closest any side came was just before the break as a loose ball fell for Zayn Mohammed, but Green was out smartly to deny him.

Avenue were worried once more early in the second period, Mohammed winning a header at the back post and Green could only scramble it out of the net, Priestley doing well to clear from the goalmouth.

Bradford then had a wonderful chance to level as Kemy Agustien played a fantastic ball through to Sweeney, but he couldn’t keep his shot down from a tight angle.

And moments later the visitors doubled their lead through Green, who latched onto the end of a fantastic Morgan ball through, and the winger had all the time in the world to slot through the legs of the Avenue stopper Green.

Morgan then capped a fine display with a spectacular goal of his own, taking aim from at least 30 yards and finding the bottom corner with aplomb.

Just minutes later, Avenue were left fuming with the referee once more as Jack Sampson flew into a challenge on Josh Heaton but received just a yellow card, the Avenue man forced to play on with a limp after his side had just made all three changes.

The game fizzled out though there was still time for one final Avenue attempt, Sweeney finding space in the box for a shot but his low effort was excellently kept out by Albinson.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Lund, Priestley (Keane 61), Lowe ©, Hughes (Johnson 76), Heaton, Knight (Dockerty 62), Agustien, Sweeney, Hurst, Nowakowski

Subs not used: Bazeley, Marriott

Booked: Knight (28), Heaton (72)

Southport: Albinson, Mohammed, Doyle, Winnard, Astles, Morgan, Benjamin, Wood, Green (Glynn 71), Sampson (Correia 78, Bauress 

Subs not used: Parry, Hanford

Goals: Astles (29), Green (65), Morgan (75)

Booked: Benjamin (39), Sampson (77)

Referee: Paul Brown

Attendance: 418

26 Oct 2019

Keane and Dickinson Join Avenue

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Defender Cieron Keane and goalkeeper Steve Dickinson have joined Bradford (Park Avenue).

Former Guiseley man Dickinson rejoins Avenue as part of Mark Bower’s coaching staff once more.

Dickinson, who has also lined up for Saturday’s opponents Southport in the past, has also registered as a player, after youngster Jack Bennett was released.

Irishman Keane joins Avenue from Leamington, where he has made eight appearances this season.

The left back is a familiar face in the National League North, having previously lined up for the likes of Alfreton, Worcester, Nuneaton and more.

Meanwhile, fellow left-sider Jaheim Headley has been recalled by parent club Huddersfield.

Headley scored a memorable goal at Darlington in Avenue’s first win of the season, among a handful of decent displays for the club.

Elliott Holmes is the third player to depart this week, with the young midfielder allowed to leave to join Pickering Town.

The club would like to thank all three departing players for their efforts in an Avenue shirt, and wish them all the best for the future.

26 Oct 2019

Pitch Update: Southport (H)

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The playing surface at the Horsfall Stadium has been passed fit by a local referee ahead of this afternoon’s match against Southport.

Heavy and constant rain has fallen in the Bradford area for over 24 hours, but a local official has said that in its current state the pitch is playable.

Therefore, as things stand, Avenue’s home match with Southport will go ahead this afternoon.

However, with rain continuing to fall, there will be a further inspection by the match referee on his arrival at the ground, at approximately 1:30pm.

Please keep up to date via the club’s official website and social media channels.

25 Oct 2019

Match Preview: Southport (H)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) will look to return to home comforts on Saturday as they host Southport in the National League North.

After a winning start on his return to the club, Mark Bower’s Avenue slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Gloucester City last weekend, and will be looking to bounce back on their own turf.

A 3-2 victory over Hereford preceeded the Gloucester defeat, and Avenue have been boosted this week by the news that match-winner Dan Sweeney’s loan from Solihull has been extended by a further month.

There is expected to be further movement in the Avenue ranks ahead of the match as Bower continues to make the squad his own.

And Southport come armed with one of those Bower has seen move on, with ex-Bradford midfielder Marcus Wood now lining up for his former club once more.

Last time out for the Sandgrounders was in fact also a 3-2 home win over Hereford, as they overcame FA Cup disappointment to take three points on Tuesday night.

They have in fact won four home league matches in a row, and victory in the week saw them rise to sixth in the table, but have failed to win away from home since 13 August.

The game, which is due to kick-off at 3pm on Saturday, is subject to a precautionary pitch inspection at 10:30am with heavy rain forecast overnight, and the club will keep supporters informed of the outcome as swiftly as possible.

Recent League Form

Bradford (Park Avenue)
Glouccester City (A) L 0-1
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (A) L 0-8
Spennymoor Town (H) D 1-1
Boston United (A) L 1-2

Southport
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (H) W 1-0
Boston United (A) L 0-2
Blyth Spartans (H) W 2-0
York City (A) D 1-1

Admission Prices
Adult – £10
Concession (OAP, Student) – £8
Under-17 – £1

18 Oct 2019

Match Preview: Gloucester (A)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Gloucester City this Saturday looking for their first back-to-back wins of the season.

Returning manager Mark Bower oversaw the club’s first home win of the season in his first game back in charge at the club, thanks to a 3-2 victory over Hereford at the Horsfall Stadium.

Lewis Knight, Dan Sweeney and Adam Nowakowski found the net in the victory which also marked the first time Avenue had scored more than once in a league game this term.

For Sweeney, it was his first goal since joining on loan from Solihull, while Nowakowski also marked his return to the club by opening the scoring inside 10 minutes.

Joe Green, another of Bower’s four-player haul ahead of his first game back, impressed at the other end with a string of fine saves and excellent handling to make sure of the three points.

Victory over Hereford also moved Bradford out of the bottom two, and further points at Gloucester could see them overtake Curzon Ashton into 19th place.

After being on the end of an FA Cup upset against a depleted Whitby Town last week, Gloucester were defeated at Gateshead in their second trip to the North East in two weekends.

Their home form has been commendable however, with three wins out of four in the league at their temporary Evesham base – with only a close 3-2 defeat to table toppers York tarnishing that record.

Avenue will be without Marcus Wood for the long trip down the M6, as he has left to join Southport, while it remains to be seen if Bower will add any fresh faces ahead of the contest.

You can join Avenue for the match with spaces still available on the official coach. Click here for more info.

Recent League Form

Bradford (Park Avenue)
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (A) L 0-8
Spennymoor Town (H) D 1-1
Boston United (A) L 1-2
Farsley Celtic (H) L 0-3

Gloucester City
Gateshead (A) L 0-1
Guiseley (H) W 3-1
King’s Lynn Town (A) D 2-2
Darlington (H) W 2-1
AFC Telford United (A) L 3-4

Last Time Out

Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Lund, Priestley, Lowe (c), Hughes, Heaton, Knight (Bazeley 90), Agustien (Marriott 70), Sweeney (Johnson 90), Hurst, Nowakowski

Gloucester City: Bradley-Hurst; Hamilton, Harper, Harrison (Smith, 30’), Avery (c), Russe, Parker, Hanks, Jackson, Kotwica, Robert (Myrie-Williams, 65’)

Admission Prices
Adult – £13
Concession (OAP, Student) – £8
Under-15 – £3
Under-12 – FREE