15 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Scarborough Athletic (H)

Bradford (Park Avenue) will have to stay switched on when they welcome promotion chasers Scarborough Athletic to the Horsfall Stadium this weekend.

Bradford will be wanting to continue their climb up the table but with Scarborough coming to town this will be no easy task for The Avenue.

Despite the Green Army’s recent upturn in form, Scarborough will offer a different challenge that the home side will have to over come to get anything from a highflyer in the league.

The players will surely remember the reverse fixture, where a worldie from Jamie Spencer (above) and a first goal for Sheffield United loanee Andre Brooks (below) almost stole all three points back to Bradford, however in the final few minutes it was reduced to just one, after Darren Dominic Tear fired 2 goals past the defence to make it a draw.

(Park Avenue) have only lost once in their last five league games, the most notable was coming from behind against Buxton, scoring twice in injury time to secure all three points and its this resilience and determination that (Park Avenue) boss, Mark Bower will be wanting from his players this Saturday afternoon.

Scarborough have the second-best scoring record in the league this season with 40 goals scored already, only three behind the league leaders Darington, Bradford’s defence will have to be switched on to avoid adding more goals to that statistic.

George William Sykes-Kenworthy the Bradford number one between the sticks will certainly have his work cut out for him, with five clean sheets to his name already this season he’ll be hoping to make it six when he comes up against Scarborough’s top goal scorer Michael Coulson who’s scored eight goals so far this season, but Sykes-Kenworthy is no stranger to the danger that Scarborough pose having already pulled off some vital and brilliant saves this season.

At the other end though Scarborough have not had the same luck and have had one of the leakiest defences of any team currently in the top ten, this will be music to Jacob Blyth’s ears being the clubs current top goal scorer with five goals and is a great opportunity to fill his boots, as well as Will Longbottom who is only one goals behind Blyth in the charts.

Scarborough will be heavy favourites going into this fixture only losing once out of their last five league games, (Park Avenue) will have to be at their best to take anything from Scarborough, and a win for the home side would see them claw even further away from the drop.

Match Preview by James Fletcher @illustrationsjf

Tickets for the game are purchased on the gate and priced at £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Students, £3 Youths and £1 Juniors (u12s accompanied by an Adult).

Premier League and Championship Season Ticket holders can gain half-price entry to this game, just display your physical or digital Season Ticket at the turnstiles.

Travelling to the Horsfall for the first time? Follow the directions and map below!

Address

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC
Horsfall Community Stadium
Cemetery Road
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD6 2NG

Directions By Car:

Leave the M62 at junction 26 and follow signs for the M606. Continue on the M606 to junction 3 and take the A6117 exit to Ring Road West. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Rooley Lane / A6036 signposted Halifax. Pass the Odsal Stadium on the left hand side and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Halifax Road / A6036 signposted Halifax. After approximately one mile turn left down Cemetery Road immediately before the Kids Planet Children’s Nursery, and the ground is 150 yards on the left. We have a car park which will be signposted off Cemetery Road and parking charges may apply.

Directions By Train:

Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.

From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below).

Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).

From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.

Directions By Bus:

From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682

These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.

The Horsfall Community Stadium

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2 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – BUXTON FC (A)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

BRADFORD (Park Avenue) visit Derbyshire this Saturday to play newly promoted Buxton FC at The Tarmac Silverlands.

Mark Bower’s men head into this game after a fantastic 2-1 win against Boston United last weekend, a performance which was praised by fans as the best of the season.

It was a slow start for both teams, however, Jake Wright made the first proper effort on Sykes-Kenworthy’s goal in the 15th minute. His shot from outside the box sailed over the crossbar.

Avenue man Jamie Spencer was up next, firing a fantastic effort that nearly broke the deadlock, but he couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Pilgrims finally got one up on Avenue with a good finish from Jake Wright putting Boston ahead in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, Avenue were the better side, with Sam Fielding and Jordan Preston both having chances.

It was reliable midfielder Simon Richman who hooked the ball into the roof of the net, equalising for Avenue with a brilliant low cross from Lucas Odunston.

Under pressure from the Boston defence, Jordan Preston managed a well struck shot but his effort was saved by Sam Long.

Then, in the 75th minute, with an unreal cross from ex-Bradford City man Reece Staunton, Jacob Blyth headed the ball past Long and Avenue were ahead.

The defence held firm against late Boston pressure, with the Avenue fans chanting and cheering all the way into the four minutes of added time.

Mark and Danny will now look to improve their form further with a point or three in Derbyshire, a place which has proved fruitful for Avenue so far, drawing against a strong Alfreton side and all whilst struggling with injuries and illnesses in the Bradford squad.

The last time Avenue and Buxton met was on 8 December 2015 in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup when Avenue won 2-1 away.

Buxton go into the game after a 4-0 defeat at League 1 side Ipswich Town in the FA Cup. In the league Buxton have had some tough fixtures, losing 4-2 to Blyth and 1-0 to Scarborough. However, before these setbacks they had pulled off wins against Gloucester, Darlington Southport.

They will be looking to bounce back, so Avenue will have to be at their best to sneak a result.

If you are travelling to the Silverlands, follow the link here for directions.

Tickets are purchased on the gate, and are priced at £15 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 16-21s, £2 for 5-15s and under-5s are free with a paying Adult.

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17 Nov 2022

FA TROPHY PREVIEW – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Farsley Celtic

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

The seven-mile derby between Bradford (Park Avenue) and Farsley Celtic locking horns in the FA Trophy

This weekend The Avenue welcome their West Yorkshire rivals to the Horsfall Stadium as they battle it out for a place in the third round of the FA Trophy.

Farsley Celtic come into the game on the back of a 4-0 defeat to playoff contenders Southport and currently find themselves languishing in the relegation zone one place below Bradford (Park Avenue) separated only by goal difference. By contrast, Avenue are enjoying the warm afterglow of their very satisfactory 0-0 draw at Alfreton.

But this weekend is all about the FA Trophy and what that will mean to both sides. Getting one over your rivals is sweet enough but to dump them out of a cup competition is a special sort of feeling, as both sets of fans would agree.

Last time these two met it was a narrow victory for The Avenue. Saturday’s match will be the first of three encounters this season. Drawing first blood will be hugely important ahead of the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Local bragging rights are at stake. Expect a feisty affair this weekend when Farsley make the seven mile journey to the Horsfall Stadium.

FA Trophy Admission prices – Tickets are purchased on the gate. Card/Cash is taken at the Cemetery Road turnstiles, and the Park Road turnstiles are CASH ONLY

Adults: £10
Concessions: £8
12-18s: £3
U12s: £1

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3 Nov 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Chester FC (A)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Match Preview – Chester FC vs Bradford (Park Avenue) – The Green Army are back on the road as they travel to the English-Welsh border this weekend in the Vanarama National League North.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking for consecutive away wins for the first time since March 2019 when they take on Chester FC at The Deva Stadium on Saturday.

Mark Bower’s men head to Chester in fine form following a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home to high-flying Gloucester City on a wet Monday evening under the lights of the Horsfall Community Stadium, a result which saw them bag a fourth win in five games. The three points meant Avenue climbed out of the relegation zone and into 19^th, however, Tuesday’s National League North results elsewhere were less than favourable as points gained for Kettering Town and Boston United pushed the Avenue back down to 21^st.

Regardless of this, the picture remains optimistic for Avenue who are currently one of the in-form teams in the National League North. Only last weekend’s opponents Brackley Town, who sit joint-top of the table, have gained more points in the last five games. Bower will also be hoping he can call on in-form striker Jacob Blyth for the trip to Chester. The number nine was withdrawn early in the second half on Monday after scoring the opener and has netted three goals in his last four games for the Avenue.

This weekend’s hosts are also enjoying a good run of form themselves, having picked up ten points out of a possible twelve on their current four-game unbeaten run. However, the Avenue will be looking to take advantage of Chester’s inconsistent home form, as The Seals are yet to register back-to-back wins this season.

Avenue’s defence will be keen to shackle Chester’s top scorer Kurt Willoughby. The 25-year-old, who joined Chester in the summer from last season’s play-off winners York City, has netted six goals in fifteen appearances this season, averaging 0.41 goals per game.

The head-to-head table shows Avenue and Chester all square. Since the formation of Chester FC as a phoenix club to the former Chester City FC in 2010, the sides have met on nine occasions in the National League North, sharing three wins apiece and three draws. The most recent meeting came in the penultimate game of last season, with Chester emerging 4-0 winners over an Avenue side that had already secured National League North football for another season. The Green Army will be hoping to swing the head-to-head table in their favour this Saturday with the prospect of once again climbing out of the league’s relegation places.

Kick off: Saturday 5^th November 2022, 3pm

Stadium address: Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT – Directions to the Deva Stadium can be found here

Tickets: In advance online purchased here – Adults £17.00, Concessions £14.00, 18-21yo £12.00, 12-17yo £3.00, Under 12s FREE.

Please note there will be a £1 increase on these prices when buying online, paying at the turnstile or purchasing from the ticket office on the day of a game.

Writer – Stephen Grimshaw

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24 Oct 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Blyth Spartans v Bradford (Park Avenue)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Avenue could launch themselves away from danger tomorrow night with a third win on the bounce.

Tomorrow evening (25^th October) The Avenue could propel themselves away from the danger zone when they travel to fellow strugglers Blyth Spartans who sit just two places above Bradford (PA) in the league table.

Since The Avenue secured that first win of the season against Curzon Ashton, they have won back-to-back games after an 86-minute penalty which was dispatched calmly by Jacob Blyth, securing victory over Hereford Town and come the final whistle tomorrow it could be a hattrick of wins for Bradford (PA).

Blyth Spartans have not won in the league since the end of August when they beat Buxton 2-1 away from home, since then they have only managed three points out of their last five games all of which have come at home.

The last five meetings between these two sides have predominantly seen the Avenue come out on top beating them three times and drawing twice, with the last away win against Blyth ending in a 3-1 victory for the Avenue at the end of last season.

A win tomorrow could see the Avenue climb as high as 18^th in the league depending on the score line and other results going in their favour and could set them in good stead when they host high flying Brackley Town at the weekend.

(Park Avenue) have had a torrid start to the season losing seven of their opening league games and it looked as though that first win would never come as they lingered above the trap door, but if Bradford (Park Avenue) could go on a little run, it would give their survival chances a huge boost.

Writer: James Fletcher

Standing Tickets are priced online at £12 for Adults, £7 for Concessions, £5 for 11-16s and Students, and £3 for under 10s.

Seated tickets are priced online at £14 for Adults, £9 for Concessions, £7 for 11-16s and Students, and £2 for under 10s.

You can purchase tickets to the match on the Blyth Spartan’s website by clicking here.

For travel details, follow the map below or click here to visit footballgroundguide.com for more details on Croft Park.

NE24 3JE

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19 Oct 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Hereford

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Hereford FC – The Green Army play host to the Bulls in the Vanarama National League North.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to build on their vital 2-1 home win against Curzon Ashton last time out as they welcome Hereford to the Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday. That win gives Avenue a much-welcomed confidence boost, as they head into their second home game in a row, having displayed great character to come from behind and pick up their first three points of the season. The result may not have moved Avenue off the bottom, but it doubled their points tally and brought the club to within three points of safety.

The visitors this weekend sit in 13^th place in National League North and are enjoying something of a revival, having picked up seven points from a possible nine in their last three games. Hereford fans will be hoping the inconsistency shown in the early part of the season is behind them.

One potential headache for Avenue boss Mark Bower is the question whether to stick with the eleven players who started the victory over Curzon Ashton. One player who will certainly be arguing his case for selection is super-sub, Will Longbottom who, not for the first time this season, came off the bench late on to grab a vital goal for his side.

Hereford have enjoyed a rich vein of form in front of goal this season. They have the joint sixth highest tally in National League North and their seventeen goals have been scored by ten different players. Experienced dangerman and joint-top scorer Tyrone Barnett will be hoping to be on the scoresheet again after netting in the Bulls’ 4-2 thrashing of Boston United last time out. The 36-year-old struck in the league for the first time since his double against Spennymoor Town on the opening day of the season and will be aiming to become the club’s outright top-scorer.

Avenue will look to take confidence from their excellent head-to-head record over Hereford FC since the formation of the latter as a phoenix club for Hereford United in 2014. Of the seven official meetings between the two sides, Avenue have won four, drawn two and lost one, remaining unbeaten against the Bulls in all fixtures at the Horsfall Community Stadium. The Green Army will be hoping to continue this impressive record beyond the upcoming fixture this weekend.

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4 Oct 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Bradford (Park Avenue) v Curzon Ashton

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) welcome Curzon Ashton to the Horsfall Stadium this weekend as they still search for the illusive first win of the season

It’s not been the best of starts for Bradford (Park Avenue) by any stretch of the imagination and are in desperate need their first win of the season as the pressure continues to ramp up on the players and management team to perform.

The past five meetings between these two sides don’t offer for pleasant reading, losing three and drawing 2 in all competitions, but could (Park Avenue) upset the form table and finally open their account for the season.

Curzon Ashton have had an upsurge in form as of late, going on a four-game unbeaten run since their defeat to Chester FC, beating the likes of FC United of Manchester and Gloucester City and will no hoping to take advantage of Bradford’s poor start to the season and continue and extend their run to five when they make the trip to West Yorkshire.

Curzon have scored 11 goals in their last five games only conceding six in all competitions, but with their FA Cup replay in mid-week and Park Avenue not playing, Bradford could use this to their advantage having those extra days of rest.

Bradford’s attacking form has been a source of concern this season only converting four times in four games and conceding 12 remaining the only team in the league to not pick up a single win out of their opening 10 games.

As the games tick away the need and desperation of that first win grows, but playing in front of a home crowd could provide the spark that the players need.

The game kicks off at 3pm at the Horsfall Stadium and could this be the time that Bradford (Park Avenue) kick off their season with a win against Curzon Ashton.

You can also watch highlights from last seasons match v Curzon at the Horsfall below!

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28 Sep 2022

Match Preview – Southport vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

The Green Army head to the seaside for Matchday 11 of the Vanarama National League North.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be heading west again for the second time in four days as they are set to take on Southport F.C. at Haig Avenue on Saturday.

Mark Bower’s men remain bottom of the National League North and are still in search their first win of the season, despite a much-improved display at the weekend in their 3-1 away loss to AFC Fylde. Avenue’s spirited performance on the Fylde Coast left the Green Army with cause for optimism, with Bower praising his side’s confidence and composure on the ball for large parts of the game.

This weekend’s hosts are heading into the game in 18^th place on the back of a vital 1-0 win at home to Leamington, a result that brought to an end a six-game winless streak for the Sandgrounders. Southport were boosted by the return of their well-travelled star attacker Marcus Carver, on loan from Scunthorpe United, who received high praise for his role in the victory.

Despite hitting Boston United for five on the opening day of the season, Southport have only found the net on three occasions in the eight games that have followed. After a run of difficult fixtures against sides higher up the table, the Avenue will look to this game against a team who has struggled to find consistency as the perfect opportunity to record a first win of the season and get an important three points on the board.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will also be out for revenge following last season’s 5-0 home drubbing at the hands of the Sandgrounders. The Avenue additionally lost the away fixture at Southport in a narrow 1-0 defeat. Mark Bower will no doubt be hoping for stricter discipline from his side as both fixtures saw the Green Army reduced to 10 men.

Travelling fans can find the Haig Avenue stadium at Southport Football Club, Haig Avenue, Southport, PR8 6JZ. Click here for more info for travelling supporters.

Click here for directions to Haig Avenue. Or follow the map below.

PR8 6JZ

All tickets can be purchased online by clicking here, or purchased on the gate, and are priced at Adult £13.50, Concession £10.00, Junior (12-17) £5.00, Under 12’s FREE when accompanied by a full paying adult.

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21 Sep 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Stephen Grimshaw breaks down our visit to the Fylde Coast

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

MATCH PREVIEW – AFC Fylde vs Bradford (Park Avenue) – The Green Army travel west for Matchday 10 of the Vanarama National League North.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to end a run of four straight defeats in all competitions as they travel west to take on AFC Fylde at Mill Farm on Saturday.

Mark Bower’s men currently sit bottom of the National League North and are still searching for their first win of the season, a stark contrast to this weekend’s opponents AFC Fylde who are looking strong in fourth place after collecting 16 points from a possible 24.

The Avenue are heading in to the game off the back of a controversial 2-1 defeat at Northern League Division One side Ashington in the FA Cup, a result which left manager Mark Bower feeling “angry, disappointed and embarrassed” in his post-match interview.

A strong reaction is expected after Bower and his men were left with some soul-searching to do following the loss to Ashington, with the Avenue boss also reflecting on the urgent need for change within his side, cautiously admitting that if he does not change something quick it might be Bower himself and assistant Danny Boshell who end up being changed.

One reason for optimism for the Green Army in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat was the impact of substitute Will Longbottom, on for the final fifteen minutes of the game and netting a goal that made for an interesting finish. The Avenue fans will be hoping to see more of the same from the Yorkshireman as they look to finally kick-start their season with an away win this weekend.

AFC Fylde will no doubt be optimistic heading into this encounter on the back of a five game unbeaten run in all competitions. The Lancashire side currently sit in fourth position with five wins from their opening eight fixtures, and will once again be chasing promotion after a disappointing play-off defeat to Boston United ended their hopes last season. The Avenue will also need to be mindful of the Coasters’ star man Nick Haughton who already has five league goals to his name this season.

Furthermore, Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to improve their dismal head-to-head record against the Coasters having never beaten them in league or cup since the latter were founded as Kirkham and Wesham in 1988. When the two sides met last season, AFC Fylde emerged victorious with 2-0 victories in both National League North fixtures.

Travelling fans can find the stadium at Mill Farm Sports Village, Coronation Way, Wesham, Lancashire, PR4 3JZ.

All tickets can be purchased online or on the gate. For those wishing to purchase standing tickets, the prices are; Adult £12.00, Young Guns (16-20) £7.00, Junior (12-15) £6.00, Under 12’s FREE when accompanied by a full paying adult. Alternatively, seating is available at £18.00 for Adults, £10.00 for Juniors (12-15) and £8.00 for Under 12’s.

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15 Sep 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – James Fletcher gives his thoughts on our FA Cup tie v Ashington AFC

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Match Preview – Ashington AFC vs Bradford PA – The Green Army travel north for their first FA Cup match of the season in the 2^nd Qualifying Round

Bradford (PA) and other fellow Vanarama National League North and South teams enter the fray in this season’s FA Cup competition, which sees Bradford (Park Avenue) playing away at Ashington AFC.

The level 9 club currently play their football in the Northern League Division One and boast an impressive unbeaten league run, winning 5 out of 6 as well as progressing through the extra Preliminary, Preliminary and 1^st Qualifying Round’s to make it this far, their only defeat came in the FA Vase losing 4-6 to Billingham Town.

Ashington score on average between 2 or 3 goals a game, which could be problematic for The Avenue as they have only managed to average one goal per game so far this season but playing lower league opposition this could be the perfect opportunity to build the confidence of the Bradford forwards.

Bradford PA’s best run in the FA Cup was reaching the Quarter finals on three seperate occasions with the most recent being 1945/46 season, but since their reform they have only managed to reach the first proper round three times, in 2003/04, 2011/12 and finally 2012/13.

The Avenue will be hoping to put their dismal league form out of their minds as they look to progress to the next round, and cup competitions can provide a welcome distraction for clubs and a win this weekend could see an up turn in form when they return to league action the following week.

Mark Bower will be hoping for his sides first win of the season and not a repeat of last season, when The Avenue were knocked out in this very round, losing to Gateshead who were later found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during the game which caused major controversy, with Gateshead only receiving a fine rather than dismissal from the competition by the FA.

The club called the decision ‘a disgrace and a scandal’

The game will be played on Saturday the 17^th of September and played at Woodhorn Lane, NE63 9FW, discounted tickets purchased online for this game are £7 for adults, £1 for under 16s and £3 for seniors/students.

Please note that tickets purchased on the turnstiles are priced at £8 Adults, £4 for Seniors/Students, and £2 for u16s.

Travelling to the game? Check out the map below, or click here.

To purchase tickets, click here.

NE63 9FW

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