Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall this Friday night for an FA Trophy clash under the lights against fellow NPL East outfit Heaton Stannington.

Craig Elliott’s men come into the fixture full of confidence after extending their unbeaten league run to 11 matches with a 2–1 victory over Ashington on Tuesday evening.

Avenue started brightly in that contest, storming into a two-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Joe Ackroyd continued his fine scoring form with a stunning chest-and-volley from 25 yards that thundered off the post and into the net. Shortly after, Kareem Hassan-Smith capped off a flowing team move with a clinical finish across the goalkeeper to double the advantage.

Although Ashington pulled one back through Scott Lowery’s header, the Green Army stood firm to secure another three points, maintaining their place at the top of the NPL East and six points clear of Matlock Town, who have games in hand.

Reflecting on Tuesday’s win, Elliott praised his side’s start and the quality of both goals, particularly Ackroyd’s strike which he described as “brilliant,” and Hassan-Smith’s effort which came from “as good a move as you’ll see at Horsfall for a good few years.”

Attention now turns to the FA Trophy, where Avenue have already progressed past Redcar Athletic and Consett in previous rounds. Elliott is keen for his squad to keep momentum going:

“It’s another game in a different competition, but we’re on an unbeaten run and we want to get through to the next round. We’ve had two good wins in it so far, so it’s important that we keep the momentum going.”

Match Details
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
📅 Friday 3rd October 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 8:00pm

Admission

• £10 Adults/Concessions
• £5 Students/Bluelight/Forces (ID Required)
• £3 Youth (12–17)
• £1 Juniors (U12s)
• Hospitality: £15 per person

🎟 Tickets available now via Fanbase:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=15282

By Alexander Fynn

Bradford (Park Avenue) and Bridlington Town shared the points with a 0-0 draw at the Mounting Systems Stadium, as both sides maintained their unbeaten league records.

Jack Hall and Charlie Winfield, who both played key roles in Bridlington Town’s survival in the NPL East last season, returned to Queensgate this time in Avenue colours.

Before kick-off, there was a minute’s silence to remember Arsenal and Chichester City player Billy Vigar, who tragically passed away on Thursday.

The first period was a cagey affair. Bridlington started with pace, Ahmed Salam skipping past Kareem Hassan-Smith before flashing a cross onto the roof of the net. Will Annan then set up Jake Day, but the striker’s shot cleared the bar.

Avenue struggled to gain a foothold early on, though Prince Ekpolo went close after squaring into the middle, only for Tom Allan to clear. From the resulting corner, Adriano Moke’s low-driven effort rolled wide. Alex Markham was then booked for a late challenge on Ekpolo, with Winfield curling the free-kick high and wide. Hassan-Smith also went close on the counter, but his shot hit the side-netting.

The second half began much the same, Salam’s corner falling kindly to Day, but Conor Brown blocked superbly at close range. Avenue started to grow into the game, with Ekpolo bursting forward to set up Joe Ackroyd, whose effort was palmed away by goalkeeper Jonathan Dash.

Ackroyd forced another fine save after meeting Winfield’s delivery, while Marcus Carver and Ekpolo also saw efforts denied. Brown was cautioned for a late tackle on substitute Ben Farrar as Avenue pushed for a winner.

Ackroyd again went close late on, his header tipped wide by Dash, before Carver saw a powerful strike turned over the bar. Substitute Tom Corner had the final chance in stoppage time, colliding with Dash as the keeper claimed the ball to preserve parity.

Reflecting afterwards, Avenue boss Craig Elliott said:
“I don’t think the first half was the best of games, I don’t think there was much quality in the game. I thought the second half we produced the better chances, but with their keeper being given man of the match says it all.”

The result leaves Avenue top of the NPL East, four points clear of Emley, while Bridlington remain unbeaten and in the top seven.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium on Tuesday 30 September (7:45pm KO) as they look to extend their unbeaten run in the Northern Premier League East Division against Ashington.

Craig Elliott’s men remain top of the table, four points clear of Emley, after Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Bridlington Town. Avenue created the better chances in the second half but were denied by an inspired performance from Seasiders goalkeeper Jonathan Dash, who ensured both sides remain unbeaten.

Reflecting on the game, Elliott said:
“I don’t think the first half was the best of games, I don’t think there was much quality in the game. I thought the second half we produced the better chances, but with their keeper being given man of the match says it all.”

That result kept Avenue unbeaten in the league with five wins and five draws from 10 matches, and another clean sheet highlighted their defensive strength – one of the best records in the division.

Ashington currently sit 10th in the table, having played 10 matches, winning three, drawing three and losing four. They have scored 10 goals and conceded 16, leaving them on 12 points with a -6 goal difference. With experience throughout their side, they will be looking to test the league leaders and close the gap on those above them.

With Avenue aiming to maintain momentum at the top and Ashington seeking to climb the table, it promises to be a competitive encounter under the lights at Horsfall.

Match Details

📅 Tuesday 30 September, 2025
⏰ 7:45pm KO
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG

Admission

• Promotional Ticket: £5 for 2 Adults (available only on Fanbase)
• £10 Adults/Concessions (POTG)
• £5 Students, Bluelight, Forces (with valid ID)
• £3 Youth (12–17)
• £1 Juniors (U12s)

Special Offers

🍽️ Hospitality: £20 per person, £10 for Season Ticket Holders

👉 Book your tickets now on Fanbase

Bradford (Park Avenue) hit the road this weekend for a much-anticipated clash with Bridlington Town in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Craig Elliott’s men head into the game in excellent form, sitting top of the league with 19 points from their opening nine matches. Avenue remain unbeaten in league action so far, winning five and drawing four, with 15 goals scored and just five conceded – giving them one of the top three defences in the division.

Tuesday night’s 3–0 victory at Horsfall over Lincoln United underlined Avenue’s growing momentum. Marcus Carver marked his return from injury with a brace, while Joe Ackroyd added a superb volley to seal the win. It was another clean sheet for Craig Elliott’s side, who continue to combine defensive organisation with attacking quality.

Bridlington Town also come into the game unbeaten in the league and currently sit 7th in the table. In their six league matches so far, they have won three and drawn three, scoring nine goals and conceding only three. They will also be buoyed by last week’s 2–0 FA Trophy victory over North Ferriby. With a strong start and home advantage, the Seasiders will be eager to test themselves against the current league leaders.

Speaking after Tuesday night’s win, manager Craig Elliott looked ahead to Saturday’s challenge:

“Big test, you know. I know a lot of their players – they’ve got a really good squad. I watched them a few weeks ago and there’s no doubt they’re going to be up there as a team fighting for promotion. Away from home against a quality team, but looking forward to it. These are the games we want to be involved in, and we’ll go there and give it our best shot.”

With two unbeaten sides meeting at The Mounting Systems Stadium, Saturday promises to be a fascinating contest. Avenue will be looking to extend their run at the top of the table, while Bridlington will aim to close the gap on the leaders in front of their home support.

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that our Northern Premier League East Division fixture at home to Ashington has been rescheduled.

The match will now take place on:

📅 Tuesday 30th September 2025
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium
⏰ 7:45pm KO

The fixture was originally due to be played on Friday 3rd October but was postponed due to our progression in the FA Trophy.

Tickets are available for purchase now on Fanbase! Click here to buy now.

We thank supporters for their patience and look forward to welcoming Ashington and their travelling fans to Horsfall later this month.

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that we have been drawn at home to Heaton Stannington in the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

The tie will take place at:

📅 Friday 3rd October 2025
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium
⏰ 8:00pm KO

The fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday 4th October but will now be played on the Friday evening.

Heaton Stannington, members of the Northern Premier League East Division, will provide another tough test as Avenue look to continue their unbeaten start to the 2025/26 campaign and extend their progress in the competition.

Full ticket information, including hospitality details, will be announced in due course.

We look forward to welcoming supporters for another exciting FA Trophy night at Horsfall.