Ashington  2 – 1  Bradford (Park Avenue)

Avenue travelled to Ashington in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup and, despite their recent excellent League record in this part of the country, came away at the wrong end of a 2 – 1 score line.

No team ever relishes a Cup-tie in the north-east and Avenue came a cropper against Northern League opposition, a fate becoming many teams over the years.

The home side took an early fifth-minute lead with the unlucky Reece Staunton being credited with an own goal, before they went further in front following a corner after 74 minutes giving Avenue what felt like a mountain to climb.

Will Longbottom then entered the fray as a substitute and managed to pull a goal back seven minutes later. This raised hopes of a comeback and, when Harrison Hopper made a short pass inside, the unmarked Eddie Church stretched to put the ball into an open goal from close range. The linesman made an immediate offside call, yet both Avenue players involved in the move appeared to be onside and no one else was interfering with play.

Avenue were not at their best in this match, but could reasonably have felt they should have been heading home looking forward to a replay.

Manager Mark Bower sent on academy prospect George Eze for his senior debut in the final few minutes, a moment George will remember for a long time and a move which will have been noted by all the other players at the academy, giving them real hope that they may be able to follow in his footsteps.

Disappointing as it may be, Avenue were not alone as Vanarama North sides Brackley, Leamington, Spennymoor and Telford all suffered defeat to lower-ranked opposition.

And, they mustn’t let this setback affect their optimism for Fylde on Saturday. Influential captain Luca Havern is hoping to be back after injury and fortune favours the brave, as the saying goes.

Mark Bower was honest about Avenue’s form after the game in saying: ‘The lads are better than what they’re producing at the minute. Clearly, we need to change something because we’re not getting the results we should be.’

Ashington have now got through four rounds of the FA Cup, which includes beating Northern Premier League high-flyers Ashton United less than two weeks earlier, and were naturally cock-a-hoop after the game. Manager Ian Skinner said: ‘I’m hoping for another home tie in the next round because nobody will want to come here – we’ll be the team that others will be saying, ‘I don’t fancy going up there!’

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston (Eze 87), Staunton; Spencer (Longbottom (75), Lund, Fielding; Hopper, Richman, Blyth, Dockerty, Smith (Church 65). Unused subs: Hall, Johnson.

Avenue yellow card: Odunston (60).

Att. 711

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Match Report – Bradford (PA) 1 vs 3 Darlington

FT: Bradford (PA) struggling at the wrong end of the table as they make it four defeats in four at home. (ATT –  705)

Another dismal result for the Avenue, as they fail to hold onto a 1-0 lead against Darlington and continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table.  

James Spencer opened the scoring for the Avenue in the opening 5 minutes, Darlington gifting possession on the edge of the box and there was James Spencer to curl his effort into the bottom corner.

The opening goal certainly woke Darlington up as they dominated possession and chances after going behind, but some fine goalkeeping and resolute last ditched defending kept their lead intact. 

Bradford (Park Avenue) did manage to work in the odd chance, catching Darlington on the break on the 24th minute, with Odunston running through the midfield unchallenged but his through ball to Oli Johnson was adjudged to be offside.

And on the stroke of half time Darlington managed to find the equaliser, the ball coming in from the left side and Fielding worked hard to make the block, but his attempted clearance accidently directed the ball over his own keeper’s head and into the back of the net.

Darlington nearly added a second in quick fire succession with a freekick on the edge of the box, but the wall did its job and the Avenue managed to clear their lines as they went into the break all level.

The Avenue started the second half the brighter but failed to capitalise on their chances, Darlington seem to switch their tactics as they soaked up the Bradford pressure and on the 60th minute they took the lead, a Beck corner from the far side swung in the middle and Sukar guided his header into the bottom corner.

Beck put the game beyond Park Avenue’s reach 15 minutes from time with a rocket into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Bradford desperate for their first home point of the season went all out to get it but were limited to half chances until the ball broke for Richman on the edge of the box 10 minutes from time and nearly producing a rocket of his own, unfortunately the Darlington shot stopper Tommy Taylor tipped the ball over for corner which came to nothing in the end.

Its now four defeats in four at home for the Avenue as they still search for their first win of the season, but this weekend they have a break from league action as they face Ashington AFC away from home in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.   

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Leamington 1 – 0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Severely limited in their team selection, with four squad members unavailable, Avenue were still able to give in-form Leamington a run for their money before succumbing to a narrow defeat.

Despite an overall below-par performance in the opening half hour, Avenue came close to scoring twice before half-time. With the game still goalless, Eddie Church put in a near-post cross from the right and, in the blink of an eye, Will Longbottom’s poke towards goal from close in beat the goalkeeper only to be cleared away by a covering defender.

George-Sykes Kenworthy made one excellent low save from a close-range header, but had little chance to stop a fierce shot giving the lively home side the lead after twenty minutes.

Then, as the interval approached, Harrison Hopper’s chip over the keeper from Sam Fielding’s well-weighted ball over the defence saw a defender again in position to clear off the line.

Avenue began to get more of a foothold in the game in the second half when Leamington’s attacking threat diminished. Luca Havern had a goal disallowed for an alleged foul in the build-up and Jacob Blyth volleyed narrowly wide from 25 yards, but Avenue had to wait until the closing minutes to apply any pressure.

Then, throwing men forward, Jacob Blyth tested the keeper with a header and a shot by Sam Fielding from the edge of the box was fortuitously deflected wide of the post with the Avenue players appealing in vain that it had struck the defender’s arm.

Once Avenue start scoring on a regular basis, and this may only be a game away, they could well become a tricky opponent but, in the meantime, a lack of goals is naturally causing frustration for players and fans alike.

Manager Mark Bower had this to say about the game: ‘We need something to go for us. We don’t seem to get any kind of thing go our way’ – in particular referring to Luca Havern’s disallowed goal after Eddie Church had appeared to be clattered into in the box.

And, despite feeling Leamington should have had a further goal for their early dominance, their manager Paul Holleran followed a familiar theme by saying his side had to dig deep and that they just about edged it at the end.

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Lund, Havern, Fielding; Brooks (Johnson 76), Longbottom (Smith 65), Blyth, Church, Hopper. Unused subs: Hall, Eze.

Avenue Bookings: Havern, Staunton.

Att. 412

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Bradford (Park Avenue)  0 -1 (1)  Spennymoor Town

With Avenue depleted by the loss of Simon Richman and Jamie Spencer to injury and suspension respectively, the squad showed good strength in depth but just couldn’t find the finishing touch and fell to a 1 – 0 defeat against visitors Spennymoor.

An excellent opportunity to take the lead had come after only three minutes when hesitancy between the keeper and a defender on the edge of the penalty area enabled Sam Fielding to nip in and steal the ball but, in being forced wide, Avenue were unable to capitalise.

After a promising first quarter for the home side in which a tricky run from inside his own half by Shane Maroodza ended with Will Longbottom firing just over from 18 yards, Spennymoor then sounded a warning with George Sykes-Kenworthy appearing to get a touch on a fierce rising angled shot which hit the near post. The visitors then took the lead after forty minutes with a well-worked goal which seemed to take the wind out of Avenue’s sails for a while.

As Avenue tried to bounce back after half-time, Andre Brooks had a goal disallowed for offside and shortly afterwards Will Longbottom was put through on goal, but a defender did just enough to prevent him getting in a clean shot and the keeper made a comfortable save.

The visitors, however, were continuing to look dangerous and had one close-range shot which clipped the home crossbar.

In making attacking substitutions during the last half hour to try to get something out of the game, Eddie Church found space at the far post from a free kick but had his angled shot kept out by the keeper’s foot. Avenue then had to wait until the final minutes for another good chance to get an equaliser when, from ten yards out, Jacob Blyth blasted a loose ball towards goal following a corner only for a defender to somehow stick out a leg and divert the ball round the post.

The Spennymoor players’ reaction to this told that they knew without that important intervention they would have been heading back north with only one point.

When the referee then failed to spot a blatant push in the penalty area, it went to prove that it was just not Avenue’s day.

It may be of little consolation at the present time, but Avenue’s first three opponents of the season at Horsfall all currently sit in the top six. And, while the table does not lie over the course of a season, it could easily be argued from the overall form of the side so far, that Avenue deserve a higher placing in the League than the one they currently occupy.

Manager Mark Bower was to say afterwards: ‘Nothing’s going our way at the minute. It’s been a difficult start for us. We’re just coming out the wrong side of tight games.’

From a Spennymoor perspective, their stand-in skipper Joe Tait was relieved to get the win, stating: ‘It was a magnificent three points because they’re no mugs, they’ll take points off teams, particularly on this pitch. It was a tough game.’

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Lund, Havern, Maroodza (Church 61); Hopper, Fielding, Blyth, Brooks (Smith 85), Longbottom (Johnson 70). Unused subs: Hall, Nowakowski.

Avenue yellow cards: Maroodza (52), Staunton (90).

Att. 639

You can watch the highlights from Mondays game below.

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MATCH REPORT – CHORLEY 0 – 0 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

Chorley  0 – 0  Bradford (Park Avenue)

A third-successive point on the road was achieved at Chorley, despite playing the entire second half with only ten men after Shane Maroodza was shown a red card in first-half time added on. Shane was the unlucky one to have to go, following an altercation, while his opponent only received a yellow card.

Losing a player on the stroke of half time at least gave Avenue a chance to reorganise back in the changing room and the players came out for the second half to continue to give a solid display.

The home side, who had won 4 – 1 at Boston the week before, were allowed few chances to score throughout a game in which Avenue also had trouble finding a clear opening.

Unfortunately, the match itself will probably be remembered most for further incidents later in the game. Harrison Hopper received a booking, then one of Chorley’s substitutes who had been booked a little earlier was sent off as the final whistle approached for some off-the-ball pushing and shoving with Jacob Blyth. Blyth, who played for Chorley last season, was shown a yellow card for his part in the affair.

Manager Mark Bower said afterwards: ‘I thought the lads were magnificent in terms of their effort, work rate and desire to keep a clean sheet. They’ve given absolutely everything for us.’ And on our attacking play: ‘We certainly got in some very good areas and just lacked that final pass.’

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Lund, Havern, Maroodza; Fielding, Richman (Hopper 45+3), Blyth, Brooks (Smith 82), Church (Longbottom 76). Unused subs: Hall, Nowakowski.

Att. 913

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Bradford (Park Avenue)  (0) 0 – 1 (0)  Kidderminster Harriers

With this game past the ninety-minute mark and it looking inevitable that Avenue would have to settle for a draw against one of the teams expected to challenge for promotion, the home side were rocked by a Kidderminster winner in the third minute of time added on.

This cruel blow came after Avenue had held the Kidderminster attack well while managing to create only a limited number of chances at the other end.

The best of these was probably when Andre Brooks let fly with a strong, low shot from 25 yards just after half-time, which the visiting keeper dropped on to save.

Much of the game, however, had seen few chances created by either side in windy conditions, as both teams generally cancelled each other out.

In the end, a looping header gave George Sykes-Kenworthy little or no chance in goal and Avenue virtually no time to respond. To make it even more frustrating, this was the visitors only serious attempt on target throughout the whole match.

There can be no surprise if Avenue have already marked this one down as a result to be reversed when the two sides meet again at Aggborough Stadium later in the season.

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Lund, Havern, Maroodza; Spencer, Richman, Blyth (Nowakowski 83), Brooks (Church 62), Hopper (Longbottom HT). Unused subs: Smith, Fielding.

Attendance: 542

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MATCH REPORT – Scarborough Athletic 2 – 2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Scarborough Athletic (0) 2 – 2 (1) Bradford (Park Avenue)

Avenue took a welcome point from their visit to newly-promoted Scarborough on Tuesday evening, but it could and possibly should have been all three after leading 2 – 0 with only five minutes plus added time remaining.

After only six minutes Jamie Spencer put Avenue ahead with a simply tremendous goal  – a clever lofted shot from halfway – a la David Beckham – made all the more spectacular by the keeper’s valiant attempt to keep it out. If there was any justice this would earn Jamie a ticket into the Premiership and he certainly deserved to be walking on air for the rest of the game. This goal will be watched over and over again on the BPA twitter account and mustn’t be missed!

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With Avenue in the ascendancy and playing the better football, the lead was extended through the lively Andre Brooks just five minutes into the second half. Showing poise and composure on the edge of the six-yard box he took a touch before drilling a loose ball into the net following a corner.

After looking like becoming the first win of the season as the latter stages approached, the game was transformed following some controversial refereeing decisions. Scarborough pulled a goal back after 85 minutes and grabbed an equaliser five minutes later, with Jamie Spencer dismissed following a scuffle after the final whistle.

Manager Mark Bower, who was quite restrained in his after-match comments, said: ‘A lot of the performance was good, particularly up front, but I’m just gutted.’

Team: Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Staunton; Lund, Havern, Maroodza; Spencer, Richman, Blyth (Nowakowski (76), Brooks (Fielding 88), Hopper.

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Match Report – Hereford

A late goal from Jake Hibbs earned his side a deserved point against Hereford FC at the Horsfall Stadium.

With their first attempt, the Bulls broke the deadlock as George Forsyth’s deflected strike flew past Johnny Saltmer from distance. But, with full-time approaching, Hibbs tapped home a cross from Jordan Windass to equalise.

It was the home side who created the better opportunities in the first half.

Brad Dockerty was the first player to get behind the defence, but the winger was offside after being played through on goal by the impressive Luke Rawson.

And, Rawson, who led the line, was denied his first Avenue goal by the linesman. A wonderful one-touch move saw Isaac Marriott find Akeel Francis who back-heeled the ball, first time, to the overlapping Windass. The right-back delivered a stunning delivery into the box and the number nine stretched to find the back of the net. But the linesman raised his flag for offside.

Minutes later, Rawson had another goal disallowed. A long goal-kick from Saltmer hit the Bulls defender Luke Haines. Rawson was alert to dispossess the centre-back and found the bottom corner from 16 yards. This time, the referee blew his whistle and awarded a free-kick against Rawson for a foul.

The lively striker nearly scored again, but his chip from 18 yards was tipped over the bar by the visitors’ goalkeeper Brandon Hall.

Bradford were punished for failing to score as Josh Gowling’s side took the lead. A pass into the path of Forsyth, who was free on the edge of the area, allowed the midfielder to curl a right-footed effort, helped by a deflection, into the top corner from 20 yards.

The away side grew into the game, and as Brad Dockerty left the field with an injury, Bradford came close to conceding a second goal before the break.

After Marriott was denied by Hall from 12 yards, the Bulls pushed forward. From a corner, Ryan McLean found himself unmarked, in front of goal, but nodded wide from close range.

As the rain started to get heavier in the second half, the away side contained the Avenue well and looked dangerous on the counter-attack, but failed to trouble Saltmer.

Both managers made several substitutions, and with limited opportunities on goal, Mark Bower rolled the dice and introduced youngster Rob Guilfoyle, joining Francis, Rawson and fellow substitute Oli Johnson in attack.

But, it was the players behind the front four that helped their side level the score. Windass gained possession on the halfway line and dribbled past several Bulls players before drilling a low cross across the face of goal. The energetic Hibbs was unmarked at the far post and tapped the ball into the net.

Buoyed by their goal, Bradford nearly grabbed a dramatic winner. Rawson, again, caused plenty of problems for the defence and after knocking the ball past a defender, the striker’s low right-footed effort was saved by the legs of Hall.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Saltmer, Ross, Windass, Marriott, Havern (Downing 74), Lund, Dockerty (Johnson 37), Hibbs, Rawson, Francis, Odunston (Guilfoyle 63)

Subs not used: Toulson, Hill

Hereford FC: Hall, Hodgkiss, Hancox, Haines, McLean (Ismail 45), Forsyth, Storey, Lloyd, Pollock, Vincent, Kouhyar (Pinchard 68)

Subs not used: Liburd-Hines, Klukowski, Whittingham

Goal: Forsyth (27)

Yellow cards: Lloyd, Haines

Referee: Peter Shacklady

Attendance: 490

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Match Report – Kettering Town

A first-half penalty from Claudio Ofosu separated Kettering Town and Bradford (Park Avenue) at a sunny Latimer Park on the opening day of the Vanarama National League North.

The game’s only goal happened following a foul from Oli Johnson on Ofosu inside the box. The winger got back up and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Despite the hot conditions, it was an entertaining first-half with both sides having chances.

The Avenue troubled the Poppies, but Johnson’s strike from 14 yards flew over.

Minutes later, the Bradford dugout appealed for a penalty. After being put through from Isaac Marriott, Luke Rawson’s low shot from 16 yards was saved by the legs of goalkeeper Rhys Davies. The ball spun into the air and as Jake Hibbs was quick to rise highest to head the ball towards goal, the midfielder went down inside the box as Davies failed to catch the ball. The referee Richie Watkins waved the Avenue protests away and awarded a goal kick.

Then, it was the Poppies, who looked dangerous from set-pieces and long throw-ins, who were awarded a penalty. Ofosu tried to take the ball around Johnson, who stuck out his left leg and made contact with the winger. The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Ofosu got back on his feet and sent Avenue goalkeeper Johnny Saltmer the wrong way to the delight of the home supporters.

Before the half-time whistle, Paul Cox’s side hit the woodwork as defender Luke Ward smashed a volley against the crossbar from close range.

The visitors responded with an opportunity to equalise. But, after a fine delivery from Hibbs found captain Luca Havern, the defender’s header went inches wide of the post from 12 yards.

After the break, both managers made substitutions, with few attempts on goal.

But, with being behind the scoreboard, the Avenue pushed forward in the later stages of the game and somehow, failed to hit the back of the net.

Firstly, a low volley across the box from Havern found makeshift left-back Mitch Lund, but the defender blasted the ball over from 12 yards.

With the final whistle approaching, Johnson saw a left-footed effort cleared off the line from eight yards. From the rebound, new signing Akeel Francis did well under pressure to get a header on target, but the ball crashed off the underside of the bar.

Into additional time, Mark Ross saw a cross deflected by Rhys Sharpe strike the top of the crossbar and away from danger.

Seconds later, the referee blew the full-time whistle as the Poppies held on for a narrow victory.

Kettering Town: Davies, Barrett (Calder 83), Sharpe, Unwin, Ward, Dyche, Powell, Neal, Stones (Perry 52), Storher, Ofosu (Sheriff 60)

Subs not used: Crawford, Cook

Goal: Ofosu (pen 23)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Saltmer, Ross, Windass, Marriott, Havern, Lund, Nowakowski (Clee 60), Hibbs, Rawson (Francis 75), Johnson, Dockerty (Guilfoyle 57)

Subs not used: Fawcett, Bolton

Referee: Richie Watkins

Attendance: 762

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Two goals in as many minutes saw Bradford (Park Avenue) and Boston United draw at a rainy Horsfall Stadium.

The Avenue took the lead after an hour thanks to a Will Longbottom header before Jordan Thewlis equalised with his own header.

The Pilgrims enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening 45 minutes, forcing Avenue goalkeeper Dan Atkinson into a few decent saves.

Joe Leesley, on loan from Harrogate Town, caused problems down the Avenue’s right edge and it was his attempts on target that nearly broke the deadlock.

Firstly, a well-taken free-kick was pushed wide by Atkinson before the winger rose above Jordan Windass to nod a cross towards goal, which was expertly tipped wide by the Avenue’s goalkeeper.

With the Avenue struggling to win the battle in the middle of the park, and despite an optimistic handball appeal from Lewis Knight, Craig Elliott’s men continued to push forward. 

Jay Rollins used his pace to beat Ryan Toulson before pulling the ball back to Thewlis. The striker hit a first time effort that was well saved by Atkinson, and from the rebound, Jordan Burrows tried to place his shot but the ball was cleared off the line by the returning captain Luca Havern.

The Avenue offered more of an attacking threat in the second half but were dealt a huge blow when Toulson appeared to suffer a serious looking injury to his leg. The defender was stretched off and replaced by the returning Isaac Marriott, seeing Nicky Clee drop into the left-back position.

And then, Bradford took the lead. After watching Adam Nowakowski’s shot blocked by Scott Duxbury for a corner, Clee swung in a delivery which was nodded home by Longbottom from close range.

From the restart, the Pilgrims equalised, ending any celebrations from the home side. The Avenue failed to clear the danger in the corner and Leesley delivered a cross to Thewlis. The striker directed his header past Atkinson into the top corner.

Confident from levelling the score, the away side could’ve scored a vital second goal, but were denied by the sensational shot-stopping of Atkinson. 

After watching Luke Shiels’ close range effort, somehow, trickle wide of the post, the Avenue number one denied Thewlis from 14 yards with a stunning save with his feet.

Both managers made attacking substitutions to try and win the game and it was Bradford who finished strongly.

Longbottom, after scoring his first goal in Avenue colours, received a pass from Knight, who sprinted 30 yards down the right wing. After taking a touch, 20 yards from goal, he struck a low right-footed shot towards the bottom corner, but Ross Fitzsimons made a fine save to tip the ball wide.

Into added time, Mark Bower’s side continued to push forward and came close to snatching a dramatic winner. Following some excellent football, involving Clee, Regan Booty and substitute Oli Johnson, Marriott had the opportunity to win the game. But, the midfielder’s effort from 14 yards was saved by the Pilgrims number one. Seconds later, the referee blew his whistle to end an entertaining game in difficult conditions.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Toulson (Marriott 59), Booty, Havern, Windass, Longbottom, Nowakowski, Dockerty (Johnson 75), Knight, Clee

Subs not used: Sanyang, Fawcett, Hussain. 

Goal: Longbottom (66)

Boston United: Fitzsimons, Tootle, Duxbury, Platt (Green 17), Bird, Shiels, Thanoj,  Leesley (Dimaio 86), Burrow, Thewlis, Rollins (Preston 76)

Subs not used: Garner, Hawkridge

Goal: Thewlis (67)

Yellow: Tootle

Referee: Mike Barlow

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

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