Bradford (Park Avenue) is excited to announce the signing of Josh Ashman, a 20-year-old right-sided centre-back who joins us from Matlock Town.

Ashman, who captained Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-21s, is looking forward to a fresh challenge after spending the 2023/24 season with Guiseley AFC before moving to Matlock Town in July 2024. His impressive defensive skills and leadership qualities have earned him a reputation as a rising talent.

Josh began his football journey with Sheffield Rangers, later joining the Qualitas private academy and Sheffield Schoolboys, where he was scouted by Sheffield Wednesday. At 14, he entered Wednesday’s Academy, progressing through the ranks to sign a professional contract, and later captained their Under-21 side. Following his release from Wednesday in May 2023, Josh spent a year at Guiseley before his brief spell at Matlock.

Manager Craig Elliott shared his thoughts on the signing:
“Josh is a player who has faced challenges but has shown resilience and determination. His background at Sheffield Wednesday and experience in the Northern Premier League will be invaluable to us. We’re excited to have him onboard.”

We are delighted to welcome Josh to Bradford (Park Avenue) and look forward to his contributions as we strengthen our defensive unit.

Welcome to the Avenue, Josh!

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to the Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday, 28th September, for a crucial Northern Premier League East Division encounter against Heaton Stannington. It’s our first home game in over a month, and the Green Army is called upon to come out in full force to back the team!

The Opponents: Heaton Stannington

Heaton Stannington come into the match after an impressive 4-2 home win against Newton Aycliffe, with goals from Leighton Hopper, Connor Walker, Joseph Thompson, and Louis Anderson. They currently sit on 8 points from 7 games, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. They are also ranked 10th in the form table over the last six matches. Heaton Stannington will be confident, but they’ll face a tough challenge on the road against Avenue, who are aiming to climb the table.

Avenue’s Form and Playoff Push

Bradford (Park Avenue) currently sit 15th in the league with 7 points from 6 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses). A victory on Saturday could see Avenue leapfrog Heaton Stannington and close the gap to within three places of the playoff spots—if other results go our way. It’s a vital opportunity to gain ground and turn recent performances around.

Craig Elliott’s side will be looking for standout performances from players like Connor Shanks, James Hanson, and from new signing Sonny Whittingham, and potentially Mark Beevers, dependant on his international clearance.

With Heaton Stannington’s recent good form, Avenue will need to be at their best, and the fans’ support could make all the difference.

Rallying the Green Army

After over a month away from home, it’s time for the Green Army to rally behind the team. The support from the stands is crucial, there’s no reason not to pack out Horsfall and back the boys. Whether you’re a regular or attending your first match, your presence can lift the team and help push them to a vital victory. Let’s create a rocking atmosphere and make Horsfall a fortress once again!

Key Details

• Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM
• Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium
• Admission:
  • Adults: £13
  • Concessions: £10
  • Students/Blue Light/Armed Forces: £5
  • 12-17s: £3
  • Under-12s: £1

This match could be pivotal for Bradford (Park Avenue)’s season, and your support is needed now more than ever. Get down to Horsfall this Saturday and let’s cheer the lads on to three points!

🏆 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.