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

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

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

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

Up next on Monday the 5th 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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MATCH REPORT – Bradford (PA) 2 – 1 Boston United

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 19th 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 27th 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 63rd minute. 

Bradford (Park Avenue) found a way back in the 67th 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 75th 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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MATCH REPORT – Alfreton Town 0 – 0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

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 35th 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 21st 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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Blyth sinks Blyth to make it three wins in a row for the Avenue.

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.

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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 21st position, level on goal difference with 20th 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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MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1 – 0 Hereford

Late Jacob Blyth penalty gives Bradford Park Avenue their second win of the season

1-0 win at home against Hereford FC means back-to-back wins.

The home team Bradford (Park Avenue) came into the game on the back of their first win of the season against Curzon. Their aim was to build on that and ensure it wasn’t a false dawn.

Their opposition Hereford came into the fixture in fine form having not lost in their last 6 matches and coming off a 2-1 win in the FA Cup and a 4-2 demolition of Boston United.

The game started slowly with chances coming few and far between, Avenue looking to create through crosses from Reece Staunton into the target man Jacob Blyth.

This led to a near chance for joint top scorer Jamie Spencer whose shot from the edge of the box was blocked by a Hereford center back.

Hereford’s first clear cut chance came in the form of an Evans cross dropping to right-winger Mclean who scuffed his shot into Sykes-Kenworthy’s gloves.

Both teams looked to build up quickly, Hereford with their midfield double pivot and Bradford using the height of Blyth with Dockerty making runs off him.

The last chance off the half came in the 32nd minute when Hereford’s Tyler failed to claim a Staunton free-kick, the ball falling nicely to Hopper whose attempt was cleared just in front of the 6 yard box with the keeper in no man’s land.

Hereford began the second half lively, building up on the left then creating a chance for Hanson just on the edge of the box. His shot was collected calmly by Avenue’s keeper.

A long period of possession for Bradford lead to Thomas Angell having a great chance in the 57th minute, as he faked onto his weaker right foot and shot into a Hereford defender.

Clever footwork from Reece Staunton who drifted over to the right wing gave him space to get a shot off which was saved comfortably by Hereford’s Cian Tyler.

In the 84th minute the pressure paid off. Hopper was slotted in behind on the right and was bundled over winning a penalty for the home side.

Jacob Blyth Bradford’s number 9 then blasted the penalty into the top left corner making it 1-0 with 5 minutes to go.

From that point onwards, Avenue’s only aim was to run down the clock as much as possible. They did this successfully not allowing Hereford any late chances with game finishing 1-0.

Bradford (PA) now see themselves off the bottom of the table. This puts them in a great position going into their next game against Blyth Spartans on Tuesday.

Attendance:561

Referee: Helen Conley

Writer: Ethan Illingworth

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MATCH REPORT – Bradford (PA) 2 – 1 Curzon Ashton

Bradford (Park Avenue) bag their first win of the season, giving them a platform to build on.
(Attendance – 464)

The long wait for Bradford’s first win of season is finally over, as they had to come from behind against mid tabled side Curzon Ashton.

(Park Avenue) came out all guns blazing as their hunt for the first win of the season grows ever desperate and as they piled men forward came up against a Curzon brick wall with chance after chance going begging.

Bradford did have the ball in the back of the net from a corner, but the referee deemed there an unfair challenge and ruled out the goal much to the (Park Avenue’s) frustration, and then with 4 minutes from half time Curzon Ashton opened the scoring with pretty much their first meaningful chance, Mahon cut inside from the wing, creating some space for himself before he curled his effort into the top corner.

(Park Avenue) didn’t let their heads drop after the opening goal went against them, as they went into the second half with Church having chance after chance, Sykes-Kenworthy did have to keep his concentration and made some crucial saves to keep the score line at 1-0 going into the latter stages of the game.

10 minutes from time Bradford’s hard work throughout the game finally paid off through super sub -Will Longbottom, wo latched onto a Staunton cross to level the game, and then just a minute later Oli Johnson put the Avenue in front for the first time of the game.

But (Park Avenue) had to bear down the hatches for the remaining 9 minutes as the referee added 4 minutes on at the end of the 90, but with some dogged defending and more excellent last ditched saves from Kenworthy Bradford were able to hold on to their first home win of the season.

Mark Bower praised his side for their diligence and relentlessness as he told the Park Avenue media.

“I thought we deserved to win the game, I thought after the first half that we were the better side, but having a goal disallowed, a penalty decision that didn’t go our way and then their right backfires it in from 25 yards, it felt as though it was going to be one of those days.”

“But the lads dug deep and didn’t give up, the lads showed great character, and everyone goes home happy, and its nice to close that gap with teams above us.”

You can watch the full match highlights by clicking here, or by pressing play below.

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Team: Sykes-Kenworthy, Lucas Odunston, Reece Staunton, Jamie Spencer (Longbottom 77′), Luca Havern (C), Sam Fielding, Harrison Hopper, Simon Richman, Jacob Blyth, Brad Dockerty (Church 5′), Thomas Angell (Johnson 66′).

Subs: Will Longbottom – Goal 84′, Eddie Church, Lloyd Smith, Oli Johnson – Goal 85′, Adam Nowakowski.

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MATCH REPORT – Southport  4 – 1  Bradford (Park Avenue)

Avenue travelled to nineteenth-placed Southport with high hopes of a good result but, with half a dozen players in the home side recently back from injury, it was a much tougher task than was expected.

With a strong wind blowing down the pitch, Avenue had it in their faces in a first half which Southport dominated after going ahead in the fifth minute. A perfect strike into the top corner from 22 yards gave George Sykes-Kenworthy at full stretch no chance at all in goal.

Finding it hard to relieve the pressure and with numerous chances falling to the home side, the score was nevertheless kept at 1 – 0 until two further goals just before half-time appeared to end the game as a contest, the second of these being a penalty.

However, a well-directed header by Harrison Hopper then gave Brad Dockerty the opportunity to take the ball past the last defender and calmly slot home in time added on to make the score 3 – 1 and give Avenue a lifeline.

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Southport continued to create chances in the second half, though Avenue came more into the picture without really being able to trouble the keeper. They kept up their efforts to the end but were found stretched when a close-range header in added time completed the scoring.

While unable to have any complaints at the final outcome, one was left to wonder how the game might have gone had Southport not won the toss and Avenue had been able to have the wind at their backs in the first half.

Manager Mark Bower had this to say after the game: ‘Today we never put enough passes together to relieve pressure on ourselves. We’ve lost the chance to get anything from the game in that five minutes before half-time. That was self-inflicted.’ And, regarding the game as a whole: ‘We just didn’t play with enough quality.’

His counterpart at Southport, Liam Watson, looked at the more positive side of Avenue’s performance: ‘To be honest, you’ve got to give Bradford credit because they actually dug in and stayed in the game. You can see that they’re playing for the manager and they’re working their socks off and they could have actually crumbled, but they didn’t, so fair play to them.

‘In the second half you’re thinking you don’t want these to get a second one and (then) you’re wobbling. They were game, they worked. I don’t think they’ll finish bottom of the League, I definitely don’t. They dug in, they had a go. It was a good game, probably a really good game for the neutral.’

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Spencer, Havern, Lund (Smith 71); Longbottom (Blyth 56), Richman (Fielding 70), Dockerty, Church, Hopper. Unused subs: Hall, Johnson.

Avenue yellow cards: Spencer (38), Odunston (42).

Att. 802

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Luca Havern celebrates his goal with Will Longbottom

AFC Fylde  3 – 1  Bradford (Park Avenue)

Avenue’s loss by a two-goal margin at fourth-placed Fylde on Saturday unfortunately does nothing to reflect the hard work and endeavour put into the game by players anxious to turn their fortunes around and claim an overdue first win of the season.

Keeping the home side at a safe distance for most of the first half, Avenue managed to have a few moments of their own. After a free-flowing move early on, Will Longbottom played in Jamie Spencer who hit a strong, rising shot from 16 yards only fractionally outside the angle of post and crossbar. There was also a penetrating run by Lucas Odunston taking him into a scoring position directly in front of goal before being brought down in a heap on the edge of the box.

Fylde then made their first clear opportunity count after 25 minutes with a forceful 15-yard shot looping into the top corner of the net, but Avenue continued to show their resolve. Simon Richman had a tricky angled shot turned away for a corner before an equaliser came just two minutes before the break to give a whole new complexion to the game. Will Longbottom put a precision corner kick into the goalmouth which Oli Johnson flicked on and captain Luca Havern was there to stab in at the far post.

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Facing a tough task still against a full-time team on a six-match unbeaten run, Avenue were looking comfortable enough as the second half progressed. However, Fylde then re-took the lead from a debatable corner in the 63rd minute when a firm header from ten yards out was planted into the bottom corner of the net and Avenue were suddenly up against it.

Despite their efforts, opportunities to get back in the game did not really come their way and, with just two minutes left on the clock and Avenue desperately looking for an opening that might give them some reward, Fylde took advantage on the counter by scoring a third goal to seal their victory.

It’s perhaps worth noting that the fixture planners have unwittingly not helped Avenue in these opening nine matches of the season. Giving them seven fixtures against teams currently in the top eight, this has sadly been reflected in the League table despite a number of close games.

While understandably disappointed with the defeat, manager Mark Bower said the following the game: ‘After last week, we asked for a reaction from the players’, and on this performance he was justifiably able to add: ‘Today I thought we looked confident. We looked good on the ball’.

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Spencer (Fielding 63), Havern, Lund; Hopper, Richman, Dockerty (Church 77), Johnson (Blyth 70), Longbottom. Unused subs: Smith, Nowakowski.

Avenue yellow card: Hopper (88).

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