Bradford (Park Avenue) welcome Grimsby Borough to the Horsfall Community Stadium on Friday evening for a 7:45pm kick off, knowing that victory would see the Avenue move to the top of the Northern Premier League East Division, for the first time this season.
The Avenue go into this game in fine form, having won four of their opening five league fixtures. Their most recent success came on Tuesday night, when the Green Army claimed a valuable 2-0 victory over local rivals Silsden in the latest Bradford derby, with Robbie Fox and Brad Abbott both finding the net with stunning strikes.
Bradford are also enjoying a fruitful Emirates FA Cup run. Having overcome higher-level opposition in the form of Curzon Ashton last weekend, the Avenue have been rewarded with a home tie against Lancaster City in the Second Round Qualifying. Like Curzon Ashton, Lancaster City also ply their trade in the league above Avenue, providing another stern test for the side as they look to continue their impressive cup run.
After losing three of their opening four fixtures, Grimsby Borough have found some settled form in recent weeks. The Wilderness Boys are now unbeaten in their previous two games and have kept consecutive clean sheets. A 2-0 win away to Lincoln United on the August Bank Holiday was followed with a 0-0 draw at home to Guisborough Town on Saturday. Meaning, Bradford will face a well-organised Grimsby defence that could prove a tough task to break down.
The Green Army will be looking to atone for last season’s draw at the Horsfall Community Stadium. The game looked to be heading Bradford’s way as it entered stoppage time, but two late goals from the visitors saw them escape with a share of the spoils. Craig Elliott’s side did get their revenge in the reverse fixture, however, recording an impressive 3-1 victory at The Bradley Football Development Centre back in April on the way to the play-off final. A sublime free-kick from Marcus Carver was the pick of the goals on the day.
With the chance to move top of the Northern Premier League East Division, the Avenue will be looking to make home advantage count once again. With plenty at stake under the Horsfall lights, Friday night promises to be another exciting test for the Green Army.
We want as many people coming through the turnstiles as possible.
We welcome Scouts to the evening fixture, who will be looking for valuable donations, and will be part of the pre-match build-up for kick-off.
Match preview by Ste Grimshaw
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Grimsby Borough FC
Pitching In Northern Premier League East
Friday 11 September
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Adults £10 / Concessions (65+) £7 / Blue Light, Forces, Students £5 / Youth (12-18) £3 / Juniors (U12s with accompanying adult) £1