2 Feb 2023

MATCH REPORT – Chorley (H) and Kings Lynn Town (A)

Avenue held their own against two top teams in the division.

Avenue’s goalless draw with Chorley and the narrow defeat to Kings Lynn means they pick up one point from a possible six against two of the league’s promotion chasers.

491 fans witnessed the goalless home draw against play-off chasers Chorley. It took a while for Avenue to get going.

The first half saw Chorley have the better of the chances and most of the game’s possession. But as the first half went on Avenue became stronger and nearly broke the deadlock just past the half hour mark. Maroodza found some space for a shot but it was claimed well by the Chorley keeper.

Chorley came out into the second half with fire in their belly. They created several chances but Avenue absorbed the pressure and waited patiently to try and catch the away side on the break. Towards the end Avenue made some good chances and, had fortune favoured them, they could have nicked all three points.

The Bradford boss Mark Bower wasn’t happy with the performance rating most of his players five or six out of ten, but was happy to take a point as he stated,

“When it’s not going for you and you can’t string anything together its important you keep a clean sheet, but I thought we defended well today and when they had as many chances as they had we earned the right to take a point at the end of the day.”

The following Tuesday saw the Avenue travel to the league leaders Kings Lynn who were unbeaten in their last five games. It was always going to a tall order for the Avenue to come away with anything.

In contrast to the Chorley game, Avenue started the brighter of the two sides and looked well on top throughout the first half, having most of the chances, but the home defence held firm.

Avenue’s pressure was rewarded five minutes into the second half. Great effort from Brad Dockerty, who played it down the left, and through the defences before passing to Longbottom who dispatched the ball into the back of the net to give Bradford a well-deserved lead.

This setback stirred the home side as they drew level after only four minutes.

Undeterred, Avenue kept up the pressure with Longbottom heading over and Dockerty harassing the home side’s keeper and backline when out of possession.

But it would be the home side who would find the winner with 20 minutes to go. A good strike from Christian Oxlade Chamberlain found its way past Sykes – Kenworthy to make sure the points stayed firmly on home soil.

Mark Bower had nothing but praise for his side’s performance,

“I thought we were good today, they didn’t really trouble us, a bit disappointed with the goals we conceded. I’m just disappointed and frustrated that we haven’t taken something from the game because I thought we deserved it.”

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26 Jan 2023

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Chorley

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

Home form could be key against promotion hopefuls.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will welcome promotion-chasing Chorley to the Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday following back-to-back away games in the Vanarama National League North.

The Avenue will be entertaining the Lancashire-based side buoyed by a hard-earned point away to Kidderminster Harriers last time out.

The fixture was one of only a handful of National League North games to get the go ahead during Saturday’s cold snap, and despite the heavy fog, the Green Army gave an impressive account of themselves against professional opposition to bring a point back to West Yorkshire, denied all three only by a wonder goal from the hosts.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to make home advantage count against Chorley. Despite losing their first four games at the Horsfall this season, the Avenue have settled well and are currently unbeaten in four on home turf.

A win this Saturday would be the first in six games, and could see Bradford climb a place to 16^th. More importantly, with only three points separating the club from the relegation zone, a win would be essential in taking another step closer to safety as the season enters its final months.

Like Avenue, Chorley also made a slow start to the season with just two wins from their opening eight games, but have since recovered and now find themselves on the brink of the league’s promotion places. However, one win in four appears to have halted the Magpie’s progress. Fortunately for Chorley, the teams sitting above them have also struggled for consistency since the turn of the year, meaning the promotion places are still in reach for this weekend’s visitors.

Chorley manager Andy Preece will be counting on attacker Connor Hall to continue his fine goal scoring form away at Bradford (Park Avenue) this Saturday. The former Sheffield United youth forward has netted 14 goals in 26 appearances this season, averaging 0.57 goals per game. The Avenue defence will need to keep a watchful eye on the Magpies talisman who has scored five times in his last six games in all competitions.

The reverse fixture back in August saw Bradford (Park Avenue) secure a valuable point at Victory Park by holding their hosts to a goalless draw, a result made even more impressive considering the Green Army had to play the entirety of the second half with ten men. Incidentally this was the same score line as when the Avenue hosted the Magpies last season.

There has been little to separate both of these sides in recent contests, with the last four meetings all resulting in draws. Still, Bradford (Park Avenue) should take inspiration from Chorley’s wretched record at the Horsfall, with the Magpies managing just one win in their last eight visits. This weekend’s opposition have failed to score in each of their last four trips to Bradford, a record that the Green Army will be hoping to maintain beyond this season.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter)

Where To Find Us:

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.

Turnstiles: PAY ON GATE

The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road. Matchday prices for league games are as follows:

Adult – £14

Concession – £10

Student – £5

Youth (12-17) – £3

Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1

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25 Jan 2023

Valiant Avenue secure a point at Kidderminster.

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) picked up a hard-fought point on the road at a foggy Kidderminster on Saturday afternoon.

The cold January snap meant an anxious wait for football fans all across the country on Saturday morning, as announcements flooded in of multiple postponements up and down the English football ladder. However, at the Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster concerns were eased as the referee deemed the pitch playable.

The Avenue were keen to atone their defeat last time out at the hands of Spennymoor Town, their first loss in seven games, and had to deal with plenty of pressure in the opening half an hour from the Harriers. Nonetheless, some determined Bradford defending combined with a string of Sykes-Kenworthy saves managed to keep the home side at bay.

The resolute defending paid off just past the half hour mark as Avenue forward Jordan Preston produced a calm finish beyond the Harriers goalkeeper Thomas Palmer to give the Green Army the lead, the perfect way to celebrate the news of his loan extension from Spennymoor Town earlier in the week.

Buoyed by the opener, Bradford (Park Avenue) soon went in search of a second as the fog began to worsen, with Jacob Blyth’s dangerous cross narrowly dealt with by the Kidderminster defence. The Avenue continued to manage the game well as the first half came to a close, with a dangerous Will Longbottom free-kick once again causing problems for the home side.

As the second half progressed, the Kidderminster attack began to turn the screw in their search for an equaliser, with Shane Byrne’s long-range effort sailing just over the crossbar and more fine goalkeeping from George Sykes-Kenworthy, this time denying the Harrier’s Ashley Hemmings.

As the fog worsened and the view from the stands became more obscure, it was clear that it was going to take something special to beat the in-form Avenue stopper. Sadly for Sykes-Kenworthy this proved to be the case, as the Kidderminster equaliser came from a stunning overhead kick courtesy of Amari Morgan-Smith, the Harriers striker following up on a deflected Joe McGlynn effort in spectacular fashion.

With sixteen minutes of normal time remaining, both sides pressed through the thick fog to try to find a winner, but the two sets of defences remained firm as clear-cut chances were hard to come by.

The Avenue faithful will no doubt be delighted with the resilience shown by their side to earn a point on the road at Kidderminster, but such is the ambition of manager Mark Bower that he felt a tinge of regret over the result. When asked if he was pleased with the point, Bower reflected: “overall pleased with the performance, just a little bit disappointed that we’ve not managed to hold out to get three points.” Bower was also full of praise for the travelling fans, adding “credit to our supporters, great support for us, we couldn’t actually see them from where we were when the fog came down, but they made themselves heard”.

The point means Bradford (Park Avenue) remain 17^th in the Vanarama National League North, three points above the relegation zone. Next up for the Avenue is the visit of promotion hopefuls Chorley this Saturday. Despite only one loss in eight games, it is now no wins in five for the Green Army. Having played more games than most of the sides below, Avenue will be hoping to make the most of home advantage before back-to-back away fixtures next week.

FULL TIME: KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 1-1 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

(31’) GOAL – Kidderminster Harriers 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Jordan Preston

(73’) GOAL – Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Amari Morgan-Smith

Attendance – 2,193

Writer: Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter)

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10 Jan 2023

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1 – 1 Kettering Town

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

Six unbeaten for the Avenue after late equaliser secures vital point.

Bradford (Park Avenue) came from behind with a stoppage time equaliser from Jordan Preston to earn a 1-1 draw in what was at times an ill-tempered affair with Kettering Town on Saturday.

The Avenue came into the game on the back of a five game unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League North, but it was the visitors who struck first. Kettering made their early pressure count on 26 minutes when George Forsyth rounded off a well-worked corner as his effort looped over Avenue keeper Sykes-Kenworthy and into the goal.

Undeterred by the early setback, the Kettering opener seemed to act as a wakeup call for the Avenue with Will Longbottom’s fierce strike glancing the crossbar just minutes later.

As the first half wore on, Bradford (Park Avenue) continued to forge their way back into the game but tempers soon began to flare towards the end of the half. On the brink of halftime, the lively Longbottom found his name in the referee’s book after reacting angrily to a reckless Kettering challenge, and with seconds remaining of the first half, a melee ensued in the Kettering penalty area after a goalmouth scramble. Having consulted both of his on-field assistants, the referee adjudged Kettering goalkeeper Cameron Gregory to have lashed out at Avenue’s Jamie Spencer and brandished a red to the stopper, leaving Kettering Town to play the rest of the game with ten men and an outfield player (goal scorer George Forsyth) in goal.

However, despite their one man advantage Bradford (Park Avenue) struggled to break down the opposition’s resolute defence. Twice Avenue smashed the woodwork, and in the aftermath of the latter effort, half time substitute Harrison Hopper was brought down when challenging for the rebound. A penalty against an outfield player between the sticks seemed the perfect opportunity to net an equaliser, but Jacob Blyth’s spot kick was sent high over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Various stoppages of play during the second half meant that a hefty eight minutes of added time was signalled by the fourth official, although Bradford boss Mark Bower was aggrieved in his post-match interview that more time was not given. The home support were convinced that it just was not their day as the Avenue once again rattled the woodwork, but five minutes into stoppage time Bradford’s pressure paid off when Jordan Preston took aim from the edge of the penalty area and found the bottom corner of the net through a sea of red shirts.

Not content with the point, Bradford (Park Avenue) pushed on for a winner in the few minutes that remained but it was to no avail as the referee blew for full time. Bower expressed his disappointment with the draw and the missed opportunities in the second half, accepting that his side had created “numerous good openings with efforts on goal missing the target”. Reflecting on his side running out of time, Bower admitted, “we got the goal too late I think, if we get the goal ten or fifteen minutes earlier I think we go on and win it comfortably”.

The result leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) 17^th in the Vanarama National League North, three points ahead of Kettering Town who still occupy the final relegation spot in 21^st. Next up for the Avenue is a trip to Spennymoor Town this Saturday 14th Jan, who are currently four games without defeat. The Green Army will be hoping to stretch their own unbeaten run to seven games and avenge the 1-0 defeat inflicted upon them in the reverse fixture back in August.

Watch the highlights from the match below!

FULL TIME: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) 1 – 1 KETTERING TOWN

(26’) GOAL Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-1 Kettering Town – George Forsyth

(45+3’) RED CARD – Kettering Town – Cameron Gregory

(90+5’) GOAL – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-1 Kettering Town – Jordan Preston

Attendance – 415

Writer: Stephen Grimshaw

Our next home game is our rescheduled match vs Scarborough Athletic! The match will take place on 16th January with a 7:45pm KO.

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6 Dec 2022

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1 – 0 Telford United

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

AVENUE MAKE IT 3 WINS IN 3 WITH A FIRST BRADFORD GOAL FOR JORDAN PRESTON

After a cold warm up, both sets of players and the 400 fans in attendance, were ready for a big game. At 19:45 the referee, Helen Conley, kicked the pair off.

The game started slowly but it saw AFC Telford keep a fair share of the ball. Mark Bowers men couldn’t seem to pick up the ball and string a success of passes, as Telford were comfortable in breaking their press. Although the possession was with the visitors, Bradford hit first, only to be ruled out, as Jacob Blyth was penalised for handball in the build up.

In the 23rd minute controversy struck and Kevin Wilkes was left fuming. A high clearance from Bradford (PA) meant the ball was out in the eyes of the Telford manager. Conley and her assistants did not call it. This lead to the first booking of the day as Thomas Angell flew into a hard tackle leaving George Burroughs down and hurt.

Ten minutes later saw the second goal of the match, but the first one added to the scoreboard. Another long ball sent up by the goalkeeper, George Sykes-Kenworthy, was taken down by striker Jordan Preston who intelligently turned on the ball and struck it firmly into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

A well created chance was made from Telford’s winger Montel Gibson, as he weaved his way past two players and saw his shot skim the post and go wide. Wilkes’ men picked up two yellow cards before the half (Nathan Blisset and Adam Senior) as they went in 1-0 down.

Second Half began with a different tempo as both teams wanted to come out strong. In (Park Avenue)’s case, it was scoring another to put themselves in the driving seat, and AFC Telford just needed to equalise to then push on for another.

Bradford start off better out of the two, as within three minutes Sheffield United loanee Thomas Angell has a chance cleared off the line. The ball bounced and bobbled across the box with no Telford defender coming close to taking charge of the danger meaning Angell was allowed to shoot.

Wilkes made the first substitution of the match, as he looked to become more attacking. He brought off Bood for Williams in the 67th minute.

We reached the 80th minute with either teams creating any threat to each other, so Avenue boss thought to see out the game as he brings off goal scorer Jordan Preston for Harrison Hopper.

Four added minutes were called by the fourth official and Bradford tried their hardest to stay in the corner for them all.

Telford’s night finished in another loss. Still rock bottom with a tough rest of the season. As for Bradford (Park Avenue), they can celebrate three wins in a row, but must go again this Saturday against Kings Lynn Town.

MATCH REPORT FROM @finlaysturgesSJ from Leeds Beckett University Student Journalism

Travelling to the Kings Lynn Town match? Tickets can be purchased here

DIRECTIONS

Arriving by Car

The Walks stadium is located on Tennyson Road, post code PE30 5PB. Exit the A47 at the Hardwick roundabout and take the exit for King’s Lynn (Hardwick Road). Follow this road for 1 mile until the next roundabout. Take the 4th exit (Tennyson Avenue) and the stadium is 1 mile away.

Arriving by Train

The stadium is just 5 minutes away by foot through the Walks park. Exit the train station by the main doors and turn left. Turn left at the church and walk across the park to the stadium.

PARKING

There is limited parking at the stadium, as a result supporters are encouraged to park at St James’ Multi-storey, just a 5 minute walk from the stadium. Post Code: PE30 1BT

PROGRAMMES

Matchday programmes are available from the ticket office, via the online shop, or from sellers located at various places in the stadium on matchdays.

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4 Dec 2022

MATCH REPORT – Buxton 2 – 3 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

Avenue pulled off an injury time comeback in Matchday 21 of the Vanarama North against newly promoted Buxton FC.

(Park Avenue) struck twice in injury time with Super-Sub Oli Johnson and Jacob Blyth taking the plaudits and Bradford took a vital three points back to West Yorkshire.

Both sides started well, but it was Buxton who struck first, and took the lead after 12 minutes of the first half, they caught (Park Avenue) on a counterattack and put the home side into an early lead, Bradford responded well from going behind, but they couldn’t capitalise on their chances.

However the Avenue drew level just before the half hour mark, a terrific strike by Will Longbottom, and from this Bradford went on the hunt for a second, nearly finding it just before the break and it was Longbottom again who found space inside the box, but he could only put his effort wide of the goal.

Buxton had their own chances towards the back end of the half, but two strikes at goal were well saved by Sykes-Kenworthy and both sides stayed level into the break.

Bradford and Buxton came out into the second period with all guns blazing, both teams having chances in the early stages of the second half, first Longbottom thought he rescued the ball as he crossed towards the back post, but the linesman adjudged that the ball had already gone out of play.

Buxton at the other end had a chance to take the lead three minutes later, a low strike from a corner was well saved again by Sykes-Kenworthy. And as the second half went on it was the home side who had the better chances, (Park Avenue) seemed to be hanging on and with 11 minutes left of the game Buxton’s pressure finally paid off as they took the lead and looked good for the three points.

Buxton were then reduced to 10 men, as Tom Elliot was show his second yellow of the game for simulation, and when the referee added 6 minutes to the 90 already played, an inspired Avenue had a bit of luck on their side for once.

Oli Johnson who had only been on the field of play for five minutes then equalised for the Avenue as he smashed his effort beyond the man between the sticks and it looked like a point on the road for Avenue, however as the celebrations wore on, and a fan suggested they spend some more time celebrating, it was goalscorer Oli Johnson who exclaimed “No, we can win this!” and sure enough, after a quick pass around between Angell and Staunton, a cross sailed over for Blythy to head through and secure a late winner.

You can watch all three goals here

This win propels Bradford up to 18^th as we now approach the halfway point of the season.

Up next on Monday the 5^th December we host AFC Telford United at the Horsfall Community Stadium! Kick Off is 7:45pm, and if you are a Season Ticket holder at Bradford City, or a Championship/Premier League club you can gain half price entry to this match!

Tickets are priced at £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Students, £3 Youths and £1 Juniors. Parking at the Horsfall Community Stadium is free. Please consider the local residents and do not park on the yellow lines on Cemetery Road or in the Cemetery.

Travelling to the Horsfall Community Stadium? Click here for more details!

Match Report by James Fletcher

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26 Nov 2022

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (PA) 2 – 1 Boston United

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

JACOB BLYTH INSPIRES AN AVENUE COMEBACK AS THEY STEAL ALL THREE POINTS FROM BOSTON UNITED IN A FIESTY AFFAIR

Bradford (Park Avenue) were victorious as goals from Simon Richman & super-sub Jacob Blyth helped The Avenue defeat a stubborn Boston United side.

The Avenue looked to start well as they chased their first win in November. Boston wanted to bounce back after a 4-1 defeat to AFC Fylde on Tuesday. Both teams aimed to climb up the table with BPA not wanting to remain in the relegation zone.

Bradford (Park Avenue), without a win in 4 league fixtures, grew into the game around the ten minute mark as a long ball over the top from Sam Fielding found Jordan Preston in the area who was beaten to the ball by a strong Boston defence.

The deadlock was nearly broken in the 19^th minute as a ball dropped to Jamie Spencer who struck a sweet volley, that could’ve been a goal of the season contender had it gone in. Both teams continued to grow into the game with each side throwing attacks at each other.

Chance of the half came in the 27^th minute to former Hashtag United player Scott Pollock who set himself to shoot but it was brilliantly defended by Mitch Lund, with a superb block.

The deadlock was broken just before half time as Jake Wright was there to tap it home, thanks to a piercing ball across the box from Sam Mclintock to put Boston United ahead.

The second half began as tense as the first, as there continued to be scuffles across the pitch between opposing players. The Avenue were the stronger of the sides in the opening ten minutes of the second half as they looked for a much needed equalizer.

The Avenue came very close to a leveler as a cross found the feet of Brad Dockerty, whose shot was cleared off the line valiantly by Ben Pollock.

A substitution that The Avenue faithful wanted to see as Jacob Blyth came on for Brad Dockerty in the 63^rd minute.

Bradford (Park Avenue) found a way back in the 67^th minute due to great work by Lucas Odunston who assisted Simon Richman for his second goal of the season. Richman found himself free in the 6 yard box before firing his shot into the roof of the net.

There were insane scenes as the home side grabbed a winner in the 75^th minute as Jacob Blyth buried his header into the bottom corner after latching onto a fantastic cross from Reece Staunton.

This result takes Bradford (Park Avenue) within one point of Kettering Town outside of the relegation zone. The Avenue go into a real battle against Buxton next Saturday as a win would surely see them escape the relegation zone.

Match Report by Lucas Heslop! @lucasheslop_sj

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16 Nov 2022

MATCH REPORT – Alfreton Town 0 – 0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) held firm as they earned a hard-fought and valuable point away at Alfreton

With injuries and illness plaguing the Avenue’s side, they travelled to playoff hopefuls Alfreton Town and defied the odds to come away with a valuable point.

Bradford came out with all guns blazing as they tried to catch the home side napping in the opening 10 minutes, but Alfreton’s defence was wise to their attacks limiting them to very few opportunities.

The first real chance of the half came for the home side, a great cross into the box led to an open shot on goal but George Sykes-Kenworthy was able to parry the ball away, the game opened up as both sides went on the attack both teams had their chances to open the scoring, if it wasn’t for some from some resolute defending and fine saves, the game went into the break all square.

And it was Avenue who came out stronger in the second half and had a few chances to break the deadlock, they held their own against a side that Mark Bower has tipped to be right up there challenging for the play offs by the end of the season.

Bradford, who still find themselves in a relegation battle after a poor start to the season, but after this result they can hold their heads up high, they gave a great account of themselves against a very strong Alfreton side.

After the game Mark Bower said,

“We had to throw a team together, we lost a few players to illness at the last minute, but I thought the lads were magnificent. “

“It’s a tough place to come to Alfreton, you’ve just got to look at the players they have at there disposal, these are tipped to get the playoffs and for us to come and get a draw and in all honesty, we could’ve won the game.”

He continued to say,

“I was very pleased with the squad and a great reaction from the defeat on Monday night, their determination was great, and I was really proud of them today.”

UP NEXT – We host neighbours Farsley Celtic in the FA Trophy this Saturday 19th November! Kick Off is set for 3pm at the Horsfall Community 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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2 Nov 2022

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 2 – 1 Gloucester City

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

The Avenue’s faithful were treated to a ‘Spooktacular’ three points beating high-flying Gloucester City on Horsfall’s hallowed ground.

Mark Bower wanted a response from his side’s 1-2 defeat to Brackley Town at the weekend and he got just that.

A rain-soaked evening that could have been a nightmare turned out to be a thriller as Bradford secured an entertaining 2-1 win over a Gloucester side boasting a six-game unbeaten run.

Avenue took a seventh minute lead through the in-form Jacob Blyth. He got on the end of a low cross into the box and tapped it in from close range.

This provoked Gloucester into a response which they secured in the 35^th minute through Matt McClure, taking them into the break on even terms.

Avenue weren’t disheartened by the set back and it was they who eventually found the killer blow. Bradley Dockerty hit a fabulous strike from the edge of the box ten minutes into the second half, the ball taking a deflection on its way past the helpless Gloucester keeper.

Gloucester had their chances to equalise, including a scary long-range lob which hit the top of the Avenue bar, but the home defence held firm.

The victory lifts Avenue into 21^st position and makes it four wins out of five.

Avenue have now put a bit of daylight between themselves and the bottom two as they go into this weekend’s game, confident they can pull off another upset against mid-table Chester FC.

Writer: James Fletcher

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26 Oct 2022

Blyth sinks Blyth to make it three wins in a row for the Avenue.

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) moved level on points with safety after securing their third win in a row away to Blyth Spartans on Tuesday night, courtesy of a fourteenth minute goal from the in-form Jacob Blyth.

The Avenue headed into the game against fellow strugglers Blyth Spartans with the confidence of back-to-back wins for the first time since January, and it didn’t take long to settle in front of the 683 in attendance under the lights at Croft Park. In the fourteenth minute, Jacob Blyth struck through a crowded penalty area to give Bradford a deserved early lead, netting his second goal in as many games.

As the first half wore on, the Avenue sensed the hosts were there for the taking and pressed to double their lead. Jacob Blyth came close to netting a second after firing narrowly wide, while Eddie Church remained a constant threat with his pace and determination.

Blyth Spartans appeared rejuvenated following their half-time team talk from manager Graham Fenton and quickly pushed for an equaliser in the opening minutes of the second half, with repeated dangerous crosses flashing across the Avenue goalmouth and goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy producing a fine save to keep out a goal-bound flick from Blyth’s Jordan Hickey.

Worryingly for the Avenue in amongst the Blyth pressure early in the second half, captain Gianluca Havern was forced off with a knock and replaced by Will Longbottom. Manager Mark Bower will be hoping the injury is nothing serious with two home fixtures on the horizon within the next week.

As the second half wore on the hosts continued to dominate possession and create chances but were unable to breach Sykes-Kenworthy’s goal due to a combination of wasteful finishing and resolute defending. Blyth’s dangerous young winger Corey McKeown twice came close with efforts drifting just wide of the post. One final clear-cut opportunity came in added time when a Nicky Deverdics close-range effort was well held by the impressive Avenue goalkeeper.

The final whistle brought a sigh of relief for the Avenue manager Mark Bower, who reflected on the challenge posed by the midweek trip to Blyth. “Coming away to Blyth on a Tuesday night is always a tough one and we saw how good they were against Wrexham in the FA Cup last week. They’re very good at keeping the ball and pulling you around so you have to be very disciplined out of possession”. Bower was also full of praise for the way his side defended their lead: “You know the lads have kept going and for their effort, work rate, desire and commitment tonight, I’ll happily take three points”.

The result takes Bradford (Park Avenue) above Blyth Spartans in the National League North into 21^st position, level on goal difference with 20^th placed Boston United. Next up for the Avenue is the tough task of hosting the in-form Brackley Town this Saturday, who are currently unbeaten in their previous five games and will arrive at the Horsfall Community Stadium occupying third place. The Green Army will be hoping their own consistency prevails, knowing that a point may be enough to finally climb out of the relegation zone.

Blyth Spartans 0 – 1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Jacob Blyth (14’)

Attendance – 683

Writer: Stephen Grimshaw

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