Bradford (Park Avenue) continued their impressive run of form under manager Craig Elliott with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against league leaders Emley AFC at Horsfall Community Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite the lack of goals, the Green Army showed resilience and created chances to secure what could have been a crucial victory.
The result extends Avenue’s unbeaten streak to seven games, with five wins and two draws, keeping them in fifth place in the Northern Premier League East Division and holding onto a play-off spot. The spirited display against a strong Emley side, who have been prolific at both ends of the pitch, suggests that Elliott’s influence is yielding dividends.
A crowd of 486, the largest at Horsfall this season, witnessed a match that proved to be a true test of Avenue’s credentials. The visitors started on the front foot, testing the Avenue defense early on. Emley’s Jack Cowgill fired a half-volley over the bar, and Amir Bechil’s header set up Laurence Sorhaindo, but the striker couldn’t find the target.
The home side had the best chance of the first half when Paddy Sykes, in fine form of late, charged down Emley goalkeeper Declan Lambton, winning the ball on the edge of the area. With the goal at his mercy, Sykes was unable to convert, letting the visitors off the hook. The first half slowed after a frantic opening quarter-hour, with Kareem Hassan-Smith picking up a booking for a late challenge on Bechil.
In the second half, Sorhaindo again threatened for Emley, curling an effort narrowly over Jack Hall’s crossbar just after the hour mark. That near miss seemed to spark Avenue into life, as the hosts began to apply pressure on the Emley defense. Lambton made a superb save to deny Sykes, who was closing in on goal, before Connor Shanks squandered a golden opportunity. Shanks found himself well-positioned to score following a cut-back from Jack Normanton, but his effort from six yards sailed over the bar.
Emley had their chances to snatch all three points, with Luke Parkin’s late shot narrowly missing the target and Cowgill producing a vital tackle to prevent a potential Avenue winner in the dying minutes. In stoppage time, Alhassane Keita’s cross found Isaac Baldwin, whose header forced a save from Hall, ensuring both sides shared the spoils.
The result, though goalless, highlighted Avenue’s defensive solidity and growing confidence. With the draw, they move closer to securing a firm hold on the play-off positions.
Next up for Bradford (Park Avenue) is a trip to Bridlington Town on Tuesday, KO 7:45pm, where they will look to extend their unbeaten run and strengthen their push for promotion.