Bradford (Park Avenue) begin their West Riding County Cup campaign on Tuesday evening, (27 October), as they welcome South Leeds to the Horsfall Community Stadium for a First Round clash.
With the Avenue riding high in the Northern Premier League East Division as they pursue promotion, manager Craig Elliott has openly admitted that he intends to utilise the reserves and academy players for this West Riding County Cup tie. The decision will allow his first team regulars to remain as fresh as possible ahead of Saturday’s league trip to Consett AFC.
Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves have enjoyed a positive campaign in The West Yorkshire Association Football League – Division One, currently sitting fourth after winning six of their 11 league fixtures. Having secured back-to-back victories, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leeds City last time out, the Avenue youngsters will be eager to carry that momentum into cup action and impress on Tuesday evening.
In last season’s competition, Bradford progressed to the Third Round with victories over Pontefract Collieries and Selby Town, before bowing out against Barnoldswick Town, suffering a 3-1 defeat at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
South Leeds, who compete in the Northern Counties East League Division One, will be hoping that a positive result on Tuesday evening can provide a much-needed boost to their season. The visitors have won just once in their opening 17 league fixtures and currently sit bottom of the table following Doncaster City’s resignation from the division last month, which resulted in the latter’s playing record being erased from the standings.
Supporters are encouraged to head down to the Horsfall Community Stadium on Tuesday evening to cheer on the next generation of Avenue talent as they take to the pitch in the West Riding County Cup. Your support can make a real difference to the young players as they look to impress and help Avenue progress to the next round. Come along, get behind the lads and enjoy an evening of football under the lights!
Match preview by Ste Grimshaw
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. South Leeds
West Riding County Cup
Horsfall Community Stadium
Tuesday 27 October
Kick-off: 19:45pm