Northern Premier League – East Division
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium
Attendance: 382
Kick-off: 3:00 pm
Referee: Joseph Goodwin
Bradford (Park Avenue) extended their unbeaten run to ten games (9 league) with a 1-1 draw against a strong Bishop Auckland side at Horsfall Stadium on Saturday.
Although Avenue might feel they left points on the table, it was a hard-fought game in which both teams had their moments.
Avenue started brightly, creating several good opportunities early on, including a powerful effort from Connor Shanks and some sharp movement from Jimiel Chikukwa, who linked well with Sonny Whittingham to keep the visitors on their toes. Their persistent attacking play was eventually rewarded just before half-time.
Shanks expertly found Paddy Sykes in the box, who calmly converted from close range to give Bradford (Park Avenue) a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half began with Bradford continuing to apply pressure. Substitute keeper Adam Lincoln’s misstep gifted Whittingham an opportunity to extend Avenue’s lead, but the forward’s shot was off-target. Moments later, Kareem Hassan-Smith showed his attacking prowess with a surging run down the right, only for Lincoln to make a strong save and keep Bishop Auckland in the game.
Bishop Auckland, however, were not content to sit back. They fought their way into the match and, with just over 15 minutes remaining, found their equalizer. A well-delivered cross from the wing was met by John Howard, who powered a header past Jack Hall.
The goalkeeper, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, had been solid throughout and praised the Avenue backline for their commitment, with several critical blocks from Mark Beevers and Ben Blythe preventing further threats.
Despite the late equalizer, Avenue continued to push forward. Hassan-Smith came close to reclaiming the lead, but his shot veered just wide. Bishop Auckland nearly stole the game in the final moments, but Cyril Giraud’s shot sailed over, allowing Bradford to hold onto a valuable point.
Reflecting on the result, manager Craig Elliott remained positive, noting the team’s ability to create numerous chances. “We’re still developing and improving,” he commented. “We had good moments and got into some great areas. On another day, we get that second goal and win it.”
The draw leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) in sixth place, outside the play-off positions on goal difference. They now turn their focus to next weekend, with an away trip to Newton Aycliffe on Saturday, 9th November.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm at the Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, DL5 5AG.
The Green Army will be hopeful their team can continue building momentum as they look to return to the play-off spots.
Bradford (Park Avenue) Line-Up
- Jack Hall
- Josh Ashman
- Dan Francis
- Luke Hogg (C)
- Ben Blythe
- Mark Beevers
- Kareem Hassan-Smith
- Sonny Whittingham
- Paddy Sykes
- Connor Shanks
- Jimiel Chikukwa
- Ted Lavelle
- Connor Dimaio
- Will Calligan
- Myles La Bastide
- Ewan Gregson
Bishop Auckland Line-Up
- Ryan Catterick
- Dane Burlace
- James Risbrough
- Aaron Brown (C)
- Jordan Fielding
- Samuel Hodgson
- John Howard
- Joe Bartliff
- Louis Johnson
- Matty Tymon
- Cyril Giraud
- Jonny Haase
- Adam Lincoln
- Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth
- Dale Milburn
- Benji Tate
Key Events
- 39’ – Goal! Paddy Sykes puts Bradford (Park Avenue) ahead, finishing from close range.
- 45’ – Substitution Bishop Auckland: Adam Lincoln replaces Ryan Catterick.
- 63’ – Substitution Bradford (Park Avenue): Myles La Bastide replaces Jimiel Chikukwa.
- 66’ – Substitution Bradford (Park Avenue): Ted Lavelle replaces Sonny Whittingham.
- 74’ – Goal! John Howard equalizes for Bishop Auckland with a powerful header.
- 84’ – Yellow Card Ted Lavelle (Bradford (Park Avenue))
- 90’ – Substitution Bishop Auckland: Dale Milburn replaces John Howard.