Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC begin their 2025/26 campaign with an Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie this Saturday, 2nd August, as Craig Elliott’s side welcome Mossley AFC to the Horsfall Community Stadium (3pm kick-off).
It marks the club’s first competitive outing of the season, following a productive pre-season schedule which concluded with an entertaining 3-2 victory over a Bradford City XI.
Reflecting on the performance and the build-up to the new season, First Team Manager Craig Elliott was pleased with both the result and the team’s progression.
“Great game – a lot of chances,” said Elliott post-match. “To come back from two goals down was pleasing. I thought it were a little harsh on us to be trailing at the break. We created some fantastic opportunities and actually played well in the first half.”
“It was about resilience – and I said that to the lads at half-time. We might have to show that during the season and we did all the things I want to see. So I’m really pleased with the way it ended and it finishes our pre-season on a very positive note.”
The attention now turns to the FA Cup – a competition Elliott admits brings with it both excitement and pressure.
“We’ve had a really positive pre-season overall – the players have trained well, and we’ve not done too badly on the injury front,” he said. “There’s no room for error in the FA Cup, but we’re excited now to get going. I think we’re very much ready for it.”
While defender Dan Francis picked up a shoulder injury in midweek and a couple of players are managing minor knocks, the squad remains in a strong position heading into the weekend.
“We’ve got a really good group of lads,” Elliott added. “I’m just really positive. It’s a hard start to the season, but one we’re looking forward to.”
Matchday Information
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Mossley AFC
🗓 Saturday 2nd August
🕒 Kick-Off: 3:00pm
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟 Admission Prices:
£10 Adults / Concessions
£5 Students, Blue Light Card holders, Armed Forces (ID required)
£3 Youth (12–17)
£1 Under 12s
Tickets available online here:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=13230
Or pay on the gate.
🎫 Season Ticket Flash Sale:
From 1:30pm to 5:30pm on Saturday only, supporters will have a final chance to purchase their season ticket at early bird prices. Available in person at the stadium.
Let’s pack out the Horsfall and back the lads as the new season begins!