The home side took the lead as Matty Waters found the bottom corner from 12 yards. Two second half goals from Robert Evans and Dan Cowan secured victory for the Nash during an eventful game.

The visitors started brightly, looking to continue their similar pattern of play that was successful in the win against York City on Boxing Day.

Lewis Knight was playing on the shoulder of the two centre-backs and Brad Dockerty was causing problems, drifting off the wing to support the young striker.

Knight came close to opening the scoring as he shrugged off Harry Flowers in a 50-50 challenge before forcing goalkeeper Cameron Mason into a fine save from 16 yards.

Five minutes later, Steve Cunningham’s side showed the threat they had in attack as winger Darren Stephenson, who impressed throughout the game, sent in a lovely cross towards the far post but Connor Hughes was a couple yards short of connecting with the delivery.

After seeing his half-volley go over from 20 yards, Ryan Toulson, returning from suspension, was shown a dubious yellow card. Then, a pivotal moment in the game happened almost 30 seconds later.

With the ball close to the away dugout, Matty Downing went to intercept the ball but Alex Curran went down under the challenge on the touchline. The referee, Kristian Silcock, wasted no time to reach for his back pocket and show the right-back a red card, to the surprise and anger of the Avenue dugout.

Down to ten-man and reeling from the decision, the Avenue had to withstand pressure from the hosts.

After Harry Flowers hit the woodwork with a header, the Nash took the lead. Samuel Walker picked out the run of left-back Waters who escaped Will Longbottom on the left wing. After turning onto his right foot, Waters’ effort went through the legs of goalkeeper Dan Atkinson and into the back of the net.

Despite passing the ball between each other, the home side didn’t trouble Atkinson and were nearly caught in possession and punished before the half-time whistle.

Waters took too much time on the ball and Knight was alert to win the ball from his feet, but his shot from inside the box was pushed wide by Mason.

After the restart, and with Mark Bower changing the formation, the game opened up a bit more.

After scoring a wonderful goal at the weekend, Harry Boyes tried his luck from distance again, but his 35 yard shot went wide of Mason’s post.

As the Avenue pushed forward, the Nash found gaps in the middle of the park and were denied their second goal by two superb saves from Atkinson.

The ball ricocheted into the path of Evans who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Atkinson made himself big and made a great save with his feet.

Seconds later, Curran spotted a hole in the Avenue defence and, with his effort aimed towards the far corner from 14 yards, Atkinson’s strong right hand tipped the ball wide.

Those saves gave the Avenue hope and they came close to equalising. A lovely one-touch, one-two between Dockerty and Toulson, allowed the midfielder to drive into the box. Toulson drilled a low right-footed effort towards goal and Mason used all of his height to dive low and tip the ball wide around the post for a corner. But as Bradford players started to come forward for a corner, the Avenue were angry again with the referee, as he staggeringly pointed for a goal kick.

Following a couple of substitutions and the game open, the Nash doubled their advantage, scoring the vital second goal. Curran delivered a low cross into the box and a diving header from Evans saw the ball fly into the net, despite the best efforts of an outstretched Atkinson.

As seen during the season, there’s plenty of fight in this Bradford side. To try and get back into the game, Booty’s free-kick and Nicky Clee’s shot from 16 yards were well saved by Mason.

With the clock against Bradford, Curzon Ashton sealed the win with their third goal of the afternoon. Walker picked out defender Dan Cowan inside the penalty area and after turning his marker, Cowan fired a right-footed shot into the top corner from 14 yards. The Avenue had no time left for a dramatic comeback and left the Tameside Stadium beaten despite a battling performance with ten men.

Curzon Ashton: Mason, Mahon (Da Silva 77), Waters, Cowan, Flowers, Turnbull, Hughes (Hanson 70), Walker, Curran, Evans, Stephenson.

Subs not used: Stokes, McPartian, Southern

Goals: Waters (30), Evans (71), Cowan (88)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Booty, L.Lyons, Downing, Longbottom, Nowakowski (Clee 63), Dockerty (Johnson 77), Knight (Hussain 84), Toulson

Subs not used: Fawcett, Sanyang

Referee: Kristian Silcock 

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

Lewis Knight broke the deadlock following good work from Adam Nowakowski. The home side doubled their advantage as Regan Booty weaved his way through the Minstermen midfield to slot home from inside the box.

After the break, Jack Redshaw halved the deficit with a well-taken goal. Straight from the restart, Bradford restored their two-goal lead with a rebound from Lewis Knight.

The visitors scored their second of the afternoon through substitute Rob Guilfoyle before Harry Boyes fired a stunning 30 yard strike to seal the win for the Green Army.

With only five minutes on the clock, Nowakowski battled well in the middle of the park and fed a through ball to Knight. The young striker continued his rich vein of goalscoring form by striking a right-footed effort past Pete Jameson from 16 yards.

Knight nearly scored his second of the afternoon. A superb tackle from Matty Downing, who was a late addition instead of Jordan Windass, allowed Nicky Clee to hit a wonderful first time pass to Knight. The Avenue’s number ten got the better of Sean Newton but his shot trickled agonisingly wide.

Despite Steve Watson’s men enjoying the better of possession, they found themselves two goals behind. Booty, with some excellent footwork and skill, escaped three challenges and curled a lovely right-footed effort past Jameson.

The rest of the half belonged to the visitors.

Robbie Tinkler, in the centre of midfield, had space outside the box and forced Dan Atkinson into his first save of the evening.

Michael Duckworth, returning to the Horsfall Stadium, was causing problems with his deliveries from the wing. The right-back crossed the ball into the area, and despite being unmarked, striker Redshaw failed to hit the target from 14 yards.

Again, the visitors looked dangerous from corners and free-kicks but Atkinson wasn’t needed to make a save. In fact, the Avenue could’ve added a crucial third before the break.

Knight, who led the line extremely well throughout the game, took the ball around Jameson, and following good pressure from the defence, Knight was unable to find the net from eight yards.

From the resulting corner, the ball was fizzed towards Mark Ross, but the defender’s header flew just wide of the post.

Watson made two half time substitutions, replacing Olly Dyson and Paddy McLaughlin with Akil Wright and Guilfoyle.

Both teams had a few half-chances that failed to trouble respective goalkeepers until the away side reduced Avenue’s lead.

Redshaw, who was arguably the Minstermen’s best player, looked sharp on the turn, and after driving towards goal, the striker struck a low effort, which appeared to take a deflection and went past Atkinson, via the post, from 20 yards.

Immediately from the restart, the Avenue dampened the celebrations from the away side  to score their third of the game. Brad Dockerty dribbled through a couple of challenges inside the area before curling a right-footed shot towards goal. The ball bounced off the far post straight to the feet of Knight, who was unmarked, and he tapped home from ten yards.

A few minutes later, Redshaw came close to doubling his tally. The striker ran across the edge of the box and his shot was expertly saved with a strong left hand from Atkinson.

With twenty minutes remaining, young substitute Guilfoyle got his side back in the game. The striker created enough space to try his luck from distance. His low shot saw Atkinson rooted to the spot as the ball found the bottom corner.

Despite conceding, the Avenue looked dangerous in attack, playing some excellent free-flowing football. Booty, who continues to impress since joining the Avenue, nearly scored a 25 yard free-kick. 

Shortly after, Knight, on the left wing, delivered a teasing cross into the box to Dockerty, but his header went wide of the far post.

And then, the Avenue left-back Boyes scored a contender for goal of the season. Will Longbottom, who had a solid debut, spotted the loan signing from Sheffield United on the opposite side of the pitch. After taking a touch, Boyes drilled a spectacular left-footed shot from 30 yards into the top corner past Jameson. 

In the final ten minutes, the Avenue produced a professional display to hold onto their lead and secure a much-needed and clinical victory in the rain at the Horsfall Stadium.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Booty, L.Lyons, Downing, Longbottom, Nowakowski, Knight, Dockerty, Clee (Sanyang 90)

Subs not used: J.Lyons, Fawcett, Hussain.

Goals: Knight (5), (57), Booty (20), Boyes (82)

Yellow: Longbottom (64)

York City: Jameson, Duckworth, Barrow, Newton, Brown, Tinkler (Guilfoyle 60), McLaughlin (Wright 45), Woods, Cassidy, Redshaw, Dyson (Bunn 45)

Subs not used: Flatters, Spratt.

Goals: Redshaw (56), Guilfoyle (70)

Yellow: Wright (90)

Referee: Tom Kirk

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

The hosts took a deserved lead as Brad Jackson’s deep cross was nodded home by striker George Waring. The Blues extended their advantage with goals from Anthony Dudley and Will Goodwin before a consolation effort from Lewis Knight but the Avenue’s Wembley dream is over for another year.

The home side started the better team, switching the play to both flanks and looking for Waring and Goodwin to get the better of the Bradford defence, but they dealt well with the early pressure.

The away side could’ve broke the deadlock, making the most of a sloppy pass from left-back Jamie Morgan. Knight was the quickest to react and he saw his  shot fumbled by goalkeeper Louis Gray. From the rebound, Matty Downing was alert to try and score but he was denied by an excellent block from defender Kevin Roberts.

The men in blue and white started to increase the tempo and were rewarded with the opening goal. Jackson had time to take a touch and deliver a teasing cross for Waring at the far post. The striker found the bottom corner from 12 yards.

After the break, the momentum remained with the home side. After seeing a cross from Downing go just over Knight’s head, the Blues went on the counter attack. Anthony Dudley turned onto his right foot before being fouled by Luke Lyons inside the box. Referee Darren Rogers blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Dudley got back to his feet and sent Avenue debutant goalkeeper Will Huffer the wrong way.

A number of substitutions saw the game lose its intensity but the home side looked comfortable with a two-goal lead and the Avenue struggling having already lost Jordan Windass and captain Luca Havern to injury to add to a growing list.

The Avenue introduced Tabish Hussain late in the second half and the winger made an impact on the right wing. But, unfortunately, his deliveries into the box were either cleared or unable to be converted by the Avenue strikers.

With only a couple of minutes left, a long ball towards Goodwin was headed back by Lyons, but it fell short of Huffer’s feet. The young Chester FC striker took the ball around the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an unguarded net from 14 yards.

Into added time, Bradford scored a consolation as Hussain managed to squeeze a low cross into the penalty area and Knight was there to tap the ball past Gray from close range.

Chester FC: Gray, Roberts, Morgan, Weeks (Burke 79), Lacey, Grand, Jackson (Elliott 85), Clark, Goodwin, Waring (Marsh-Hughes 63), Dudley

Subs not used: Livesey, Glendon, Johnston, Bauress

Goals: Waring (21), Dudley (pen, 52), Goodwin (88)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Huffer, Ross, Boyes, L.Lyons, Havern (Hussain 60), Windass (Clee 45), Booty (J.Lyons 77), Hibbs, Dockerty, Knight, Downing

Sub not used: Atkinson

Goal: Knight (90)

The Brakes led at half-time, thanks to an early goal from Sam Osbourne and then, with additional time announced, Simeon Maye found the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Bradford reduced the lead with a Brad Dockerty goal, but, two minutes later, the away side restored their two-goal cushion with an excellent Osbourne strike from 20 yards

After a quiet opening period, the visitors broke the deadlock. As Avenue goalkeeper Dan Atkinson rushed out of his goal, Osbourne was calm and composed as he took the ball around him and slotted the ball into an unguarded net from 14 yards.

Osbourne, who continued to cause problems for the Bradford defence, nearly scored his second of the afternoon. After receiving the ball from Jack Edwards, the winger’s drilled shot was well blocked by left-back Harry Boyes inside the box.

Then, the hosts should’ve equalised from a corner. A deep, inswinging delivery from Nicky Clee found Jake Hibbs, but he couldn’t connect properly and scuffed his shot wide from close range.

With the additional time shown on the touchline, Paul Holleran’s side doubled their advantage. Another flick from Edwards, after hesitation in the Avenue defence found Maye, who was unmarked. The midfielder took a few touches and fired a right-footed effort past Atkinson from 12 yards.

After the break, and with the introduction of debutant Regan Booty, Bradford started to push men forward.

After a well-worked move involving Booty and Boyes, Knight curled over a right-footed effort from 20 yards. But it was more positive, drawing an applause from the Avenue dugout.

Then, they deservedly halved the deficit. Despite earlier missing a one-on-one chance, Knight spotted the run of Brad Dockerty through the centre of the pitch. With Weaver to beat, the winger calmly slotted the ball into the net to give the Avenue hope.

But that hope was quickly extinguished as the Brakes scored a wonderful third goal. A corner was cleared away and after excellent play from Lance Smith to turn and keep the ball in play, the striker found Osbourne. The winger sprinted towards goal and fired an unstoppable right-footed strike, from 20 yards, into the top corner.

The Brakes produced a stubborn defensive display to deny Bradford a way back into the game and the evening got worse for the hosts. With a minute left to play, Hibbs was aggressive in a challenge and referee John Mulligan rushed to his pocket for a red card and dismissed the midfielder to add to a miserable afternoon for Bradford.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, L.Lyons Havern, Windass (Hussain 77), Sanyang (Booty 45), Hibbs, Dockerty, Knight, Clee.

Subs not used: Downing, Huffer

Goal: Dockerty (69)

Red card: Hibbs

Leamington FC: Weaver, Martin, Morley, Clarke, Morrison, Lane, Osbourne (Meredith 85), Maye (Waldron 90), Smith, Edwards, Allen (Anderson 81)

Subs not used: English, Taylor 

Yellow card: Clarke

Goals: Osbourne (9), (71), Maye (45)

In a high-quality first-half, Bradford took an early lead thanks to Brad Dockerty. But the Coasters replied with two goals from Ben Tollitt and Kurt Willoughby. Against the run of play, the visitors equalised as Knight nodded home from close range. After the restart, the hosts took the lead for the second time as Luke Byrne’s cross was tapped home by Luke Conlan. But, into the second minute of additional time, Omar Sanyang picked out Jordan Windass and his cross was smashed into the far corner by Knight.

Despite an early surprise, as the sprinklers started spraying water in the middle of play, the visitors took an early lead. Dockerty cut inside onto his right foot and curled a lovely effort past Chris Neal from the edge of the box. The linesman raised his flag for offside but the referee gave the goal.

After the first goal, the Coasters dominated play with some excellent football and were rewarded with an equaliser.  Tollitt, who caused problems for his opponents all night, curled a right-footed effort past Atkinson from 20 yards.

Two minutes later, the hosts scored again. Striker Kurt Willoughby found space outside the box and fired a right-footed strike into the bottom corner past an outstretched Atkinson.

In the lead and extremely confident with the ball, Nick Chadwick’s side looked like a team who hadn’t lost at home this season. Working it from back to front, side to side, they oozed class. But Bradford stayed in the game, and against the run of play, levelled the score.

Harry Boyes, producing another mature display, received the ball on the left wing, and the left-back fizzed a cross into the box. Knight curved his run in front of defender Jack Sanders, and the striker glanced a header past Neal into the bottom corner.

The action didn’t stop there. 

After a muscular injury to Isaac Marriott, the Avenue continued to attack as Dockerty, who was in fine form all evening, intercepted a loose pass and threaded a through-ball to Knight. The striker managed to get ahead of defender Alex Whitmore, but his shot was saved at the near post by Neal.

The Coasters went down the other end of the pitch to create an opportunity. Right-back Byrne picked out striker Jordan Hulme in the penalty area, but the former Altrincham man headed the ball straight at Atkinson from ten yards.

Just before the half-time whistle, them Bradford nearly took the lead again. A deep cross was flicked by captain Luca Havern into the path of Boyes, and the left-back tried his luck from distance, but his effort was saved by Neal.

After the break, the Avenue were hanging on as the Coasters pushed men forward to take the advantage.

A corner from Luke Brennan was met by Sanders, and with his header flying towards the top corner, Dockerty jumped to head the ball off the line. 

Seconds later, the hosts created a three-on-two situation as Hulme pulled the ball back to Tollitt. The winger, rather than taking a touch, struck a first time effort over the bar from 20 yards.

Once more, Bradford were getting lucky to avoid conceding a fourth. Brennan’s corner picked out Whitmore and the captain’s header ricocheted off the post and a couple of bodies, somehow not finding the net.

Eventually, the pressure was too much for the Avenue as AFC Fylde regained the lead. Byrne and Brennan linked up well and the right-back got behind Dockerty to drill a low cross into the box. His teammate Conlan was there tap home from close range.

Just like Spennymoor, the away side nearly hit back with an instant reply. Dockerty showed character to bounce back from the goal and drove forward with the ball. As he got closer, the gap opened for the winger, but his shot didn’t have the accuracy to trouble Neal from 14 yards.

Following a number of substitutions, both teams still continued to search for a vital goal, for different reasons.

It didn’t appear Mark Bower’s side would get anything from the game, but the men from the Horsfall never gave up and snatched a dramatic equaliser. 

Substitute Sanyang hit one of the best passes of the game, switching the play from left to right. Windass controlled the excellent pass and showed his quality by delivering a wonderful cross to the far post. Knight was lurking at the far post and smashed the ball past Neal from eight yards, to the delight of the Avenue dugout.

AFC Fylde: Neal, Burke, Conlan, Nolan (Lussey 70), Whitmore (c), Tollitt, Philliskirk, Hulme (Sampson 88), Sanders, Willoughby, Brennan (Shaw 64)

Subs not used: Mondal, Ogle

Goals: Tollitt (13), Willoughby (15), Conlan (66)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott (Sanyang 39), Havern, Windass, Hibbs, Toulson (Ibrian 74), Clee, Knight (Lyons 90+3), Dockerty

Subs not used: Downing, Huffer

Goals: Dockerty (3), Knight (30)(90+2)

Yellow card: Clee

Referee: Dean Watson

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

Bradford took the lead as Lewis Knight showed great composure to slot the ball into the net before the Moors levelled through a volley from Ryan Hall in the second half. The Avenue regained the lead  a couple of minutes later  with another excellent Knight strike but Taylor nodded the ball past Dan Atkinson in the final minutes of the game.

Despite a bright start by the Moors, the visitors took the lead. Captain Luca Havern produced a bit of magic in the centre of the park and threaded a through ball to Knight. The striker took the ball round goalkeeper Dale Eve and side-footed the ball into the net from ten yards.

Mark Bower’s side looked impressive and nearly doubled their advantage. Harry Boyes, who drove down the left wing, pulled the ball back to Isaac Marriott, but the midfielder’s strike went down the throat of Eve from 12 yards.

Five minutes later, the Moors could’ve equalised as Rob Ramshaw was put through, one-on-one with Atkinson. But, the midfielder failed to hit the target from ten yards.

Before the break, Atkinson, who continues to make some unbelievable saves, made another from a corner as Taylor rose above his marker, but the Bradford number one tipped the ball against the bar.

Then, into added time, a free-kick from Nicky Clee was half-cleared and as the ball dropped out of the sky, Brad Dockerty hit a stunning left-footed volley, from 16 yards, which brushed the bottom of the post.

After the break, Havern came close to scoring his side’s second goal of the afternoon. A low set-piece from Knight was controlled by the defender and after twisting the ball onto his right-foot, his effort went agonisingly wide of Eve’s far post.

After watching Atkinson save well from Taylor, Bradford, again, came close to doubling their lead. From distance, Knight hit a stunning strike from 35 yards, and with Eve at full-stretch, the ball grazed the crossbar.

After making a double substitution, the Moors pushed forward and scored an equaliser. Following Atkinson’s save from Scott McLean, the pressure continued and a defensive header went across the box which was smashed into the roof of the net by Ryan Hall from 18 yards.

Despite conceding, the Avenue replied with an excellent goal. Knight drifted off the left wing and, with confidence flowing through his veins, the striker curled a superb right-footed effort from 20 yards into the bottom corner.

Then, following a straight red card for Ryan Toulson for an off-the-ball incident with Taylor, Jason Ainsley’s side scored their second goal. McLean delivered a teasing ball which was flicked by Taylor towards goal, and despite Atkinson getting a hand to it, the ball found the back of the net from 12 yards.

Into the final few minutes, the Moors threw men forward and substitute Frank Mulhern had two opportunities to snatch a dramatic victory. But, the Avenue held on for a deserved draw in the North East.

Spennymoor Town: Eve, Forbes, Blakeman (Thompson 67), Curtis, Buddle, Moke (Mulhern 56), Spencer, Ramshaw, McKenna (Hall 67), McLean, Taylor 

Subs not used: Anderson, Magnay

Goals: Hall (78), Taylor (84)

Yellow cards: Taylor, Spencer 

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern, Windass, Toulson, Hibbs, Dockerty (Sanyang 80), Knight (Ibrian 89), Clee

Subs not used: Huffer, Downing, Hussain

Goals: Knight (8), (80)

Yellow card: Toulson

Red card: Toulson

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors 

Referee: Paul Brown

A teasing free-kick delivery by Lewis Knight was met by the Havern, who escaped Sean Reid inside the box, to nod home from eight yards as his side held on for a crucial victory.

The team from the Horsfall set up with plenty of pace in attack and caused their hosts some problems early into the game.

Issac Marriott, who never stopped running for 90 minutes and the link between midfield and attack, tried his luck from 25 yards but it flew over the bar.

After watching Tyrone O’Neill drag a shot wide from a similar position, the Avenue were hitting the channels well, with both Omar Sanyang and Brad Dockerty supporting Knight and winning free-kicks in good positions. But it was Harry Boyes, who continues to impress during his loan spell, crossing the ball into the area but the referee blew his whistle to give handball against former Avenue man Ben Hedley.

Knight stepped up and curled the ball towards the penalty spot and Havern rose the highest to glance a header into the back of the net, sparking celebrations from those wearing amber and black.

Alun Armstrong’s side grew into the game and, five minutes later, hit the woodwork twice in 60 seconds.

Erico Sousa came off his wing with the ball, running across the pitch, finding Adam Campbell on the left flank and his cross was headed by striker Dan Maguire from eight yards against the bar.

As the Avenue tried to clear the danger, O’Neill grabbed a loose ball, worked possession onto his right foot and curled an effort, from 25 yards, towards goal but Dan Atkinson produced an unbelievable fingertip save to deny the striker as the ball thundered off the underside of the bar and into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Maguire was forced off with an injury as was replaced by Luke Charman for Darlo, but that didn’t affect the Avenue’s gameplan as they nearly doubled their advantage. 

Marriott found Knight who ran at the defence and the striker fired a low right-footed shot from 20 yards which was pushed away by goalkeeper Johnny Saltmer.

After the restart, the Avenue continued to look for a quick counter-attack to hurt their opponents but it was Darlington FC who came close to an equaliser.

From a similar position to the goal, Sousa delivered a free-kick into the box, but Boyes was the first to react and crucially flick the ball away from the head of Louis Laing.

The Avenue were struggling to get out of their own half, but all the play was in front of them and with nine men behind the ball, Bradford continued to frustrate the home side.

O’Neill was dropping deeper to get the ball and after looking up, he spotted an unmarked Campbell on the edge of the box. Just as he got a shot away, Mark Ross and Luca Havern bravely threw their bodies at the ball to take the pace out of his effort making it an easier save for Atkinson.

The Avenue number one was forced into another fine save as midfielder Joe Wheatley, who’d been kept relatively quiet by the impressive Marriott, drove forward and rather than passing, he hit a low right-footed strike from 20 yards, which was well saved by Atkinson.

After a cheeky chip from substitute Jarrett Rivers being saved by the outstretched hand of Atkinson, the Avenue got the opportunity they wanted. Dockerty set himself up, 25 yards from goal, and with a gap between the two defenders, the number nine fired an excellent strike which was tipped against the bar by Saltmer.

Into additional time, the Avenue remain organised and disciplined. After seeing O’Neill’s effort fly over from 25 yards, Bradford were tested one final time. They cleared the ball away but Hedley controlled the ball, made a great connection from distance, and his shot brushed the top of the bar to the relief of the visitors.

Darlington FC: Saltmer, Hedley, Watson, Laing, Atkinson, Sousa, Reid, Wheatley (Hudson 86), Campbell (Rivers 64), Maguire (Charman 31), O’Neill

Subs not used: Minter, Storey

Yellow: Wheatley 

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern (c), Windass, Toulson, Hibbs, Dockerty, Knight (Clee 76), Sanyang

Subs not used: Downing, Huffer, L.Lyons

Goal: Havern (15)

Yellow cards: Havern, Hibbs

Referee: Jonny Urwin

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

The Bucks opened the scoring as possession was given away by Mark Ross and the ball ended at the feet of Dominic McHale who fired home from 18 yards. The winger scored his second, quickly after the break, with an excellent strike from 20 yards before Lewis Knight’s goal set up a nervy finish.

In a cautious start to the game, there were few chances for both teams. The visitors enjoyed some early ball but were unable to trouble Dan Atkinson in the Bradford goal, despite McHale blasting over from 14 yards.

The Avenue should’ve done better with two opportunities at goal.

Nicky Clee was enjoying some early success in the centre of park and after running towards the touchline, he crossed the ball to Adam Nowakowski, but the number nine nodded wide from 12 yards.

Minutes later, Isaac Marriott turned inside his marker in the box, but with Nowakowski unmarked to his left, the midfielder dragged his left-footed effort wide from 12 yards.

And the Bucks made the most of that missed chance to break the deadlock. Throughout the first 45, the Avenue were giving away some cheap possession on several occasions and as Ross lost it down the right wing, a pass was played to McHale who was clinical and struck a powerful strike into the bottom corner.

A couple of minutes after half time, McHale doubled his side’s advantage as the Avenue cleared the ball to the winger, and his excellent left-footed effort was too quick for Atkinson from 25 yards.

The Bucks midfielder Andy Bond, who was cautioned in the first half, received his second yellow card after tripping Nicky Clee inside the centre-circle. 

Both teams had appeals for a penalty but referee David McNamara waved away the protests before Bradford reduced the deficit.

Brad Dockerty found plenty of space down the left wing and the winger pulled the ball back to Knight who miss hit his left-footed strike but the ball found the back of the net from close range.

But the Bucks defended well, allowing the Avenue possession inside their own half but dealt well with any danger.

The only chance that nearly saw the hosts equalise was from Dockerty into added on time. The winger ran across the edge of the box and after seeing the goal, he curled a right-footed effort just wide of the post .

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross (Sanyang 86), Boyes, Marriott, Lund, Havern (c) (Ibrian 55), Knight, Hibbs, Nowakowski (Toulson 46), Dockerty, Clee.

Subs not used: Windass, Downing.

Goal: Knight (68)

AFC Telford United: Griffiths, Vaughan, Streete, Byrne (Davies 46), Lilly, Jones, Hardy (White 81), Walker, Bond, Oswell, McHale.

Subs not used: Barnes-Homer, Bower, Williams

Goal: McHale (26), (47)

Yellow cards: Bond, McHale

Referee: David McNamara

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

The visitors took the lead as Connor Woods beat his man and his cross was converted by Jordan Archer. Into the second half, it was Woods who doubled their advantage, catching Atkinson off his line from 30 yards.

It was the home side that dominated the early stages and could’ve taken an early advantage.

After good work from Nicky Clee and Adam Nowakowski, a loose ball was struck first time by midfielder Isaac Marriott from 20 yards which deflected wide.

After a penalty shout from the Avenue dugout for an alleged foul on Jake Hibbs, which was waved away by the referee,  Nowakowski had two decent chances to break the deadlock.

A lovely cross from Harry Boyes was met by the number nine and, leaning back, Nowakowski nodded over from eight yards.

Shortly after, a back-pass to goalkeeper Daniel Hanford saw the No.1 make a mistake and Nowakowski was alert to the rebound, but Hanford recovered to make a save.

As the half went on, Liam Watson’s side were having success down their right wing with Woods and Matt Challoner striking up a good partnership and they were rewarded for their efforts.

Woods got behind his marker near the touchline and fizzed a low ball into the box. Archer got in front of his man to tap home from close range.

Into added time, the Avenue nearly equalised as Clee weaved his way through a gap, staying on his feet after an earlier challenge, but his delivery was flicked over by Hibbs from 14 yards.

After the break, a similar pattern of play continued as the visitors seemed content to allow Bradford have possession in their own half, as long, diagonal balls were failing to stick up front.

It was Southport FC who scored the next, vital, goal to seal victory. A long throw from Lewis Knight was nodded away and Woods was set free near the touchline. The winger spotted Atkinson off his line, and after the goalkeeper slipped on the surface, the ball looped over him and into the the net from 30 yards.

Despite making substitutions, Mark Bower’s side were finding it difficult to break down a stubborn and disciplined opponent. Despite a second yellow card for Matt Challoner, Southport FC restricted the Avenue, who didn’t trouble Hanford and in the end, eased to a victory in West Yorkshire.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Lund (Downing 84), Havern (c), Toulson (Sanyang 66), Hibbs, Nowakowski, Knight, Clee (Windass 78)

Subs not used: Huffer, L.Lyons 

Yellow cards: Lund, Nowakowski, Marriott

Southport FC: Hanford, Oliver, Doyle, Benjamin ( Anson, Ali 72), Morgan, Woods (Vassallo 84), Challoner, Archer (Carver 79) Watson, Bainbridge.

Subs not used: McMillan, Winnard, Vassallo.

Goal: Archer (26), Woods (68)

Yellow cards: Challoner x2, Ali

Red: Challoner

Referee: Paul Cooper

The Avenue made a superb start as Lewis Knight curled an exquisite right-footed effort past Rhys Lovett from 25 yards.

Then, the hosts scored three quick goals as Akwasi Asante equalised, Matt McClure doubled their advantage two minutes later and Asante added a third from the spot.

Just before the break, Jake Hibbs pulled a goal back finding the top corner. And after the restart, Harry Boyes fired an unstoppable shot from 25 yards past Lovell before Jordan Windass gave Bradford the lead.

The hosts equalised thanks to Bernard Mensah who nodded home a cross from Kevin Dawson.

After Liam Daly hitting the post in the opening minute, the Avenue broke the deadlock as Nicky Clee took a quick corner kick to Knight. The striker took a look at goal, and, with his right-foot, found the top corner from 25 yards.

Then, James Rowe’s side showed their attacking quality and, as proven this season, when they get some momentum, they’re a difficult team to stop. 

A long throw caused problems amongst the Avenue defence and after a reactive save from Dan Atkinson from McClure, the rebound was smashed home by Asante from close range.

A couple of minutes later, the Tigers took the lead. A deep cross from Gavin Gunning caught out Atkinson and at the far post, McClure was alert to tap home.

Five minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty as Windass was adjudged to have handballed in the area. From the penalty spot, Asante gave Atkinson no chance.

Despite conceding three quick goals, the Avenue looked dangerous on the attack and reduced the deficit. After Knight forced Lovett into a save, the Avenue made the most of confusion amongst the defence. Omar Sanyang took the ball around the goalkeeper and set up Hibbs, who took a couple of touches before firing the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.

Just before the half time whistle, and to the relief of the visitors, the linesman raised his flag as Ben Morgan found the back of the net from close range.

With Mark Bower still in the changing room, Boyes sprinted forward and after finding space near the left wing, the left-back unleashed a spectacular left-footed strike from 25 yards which flew past Lovell into the top corner.

The goals continued as the Avenue regained the lead. Clee worked his magic in the centre of the park and threaded the ball into the path of Windass, who drove forward, and drilled a stunning shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

As the rain got heavier and the wind swirling around the ground, both teams were still proving a threat.

The home side equalised as Boyes’ pass was intercepted in the centre circle and Dawson delivered a cross into the area which saw Mensah jump the highest to nod the ball past Atkinson from six yards.

With eight goals on the scoreboard, Mark Bower’s side pushed forward and again, Knight used his pace to get behind the defence. He laid the ball into the feet of Boyes, and the left-back was close to finding the roof of the net, but it brushed the bar from 14 yards.

As full time was approaching, Gloucester City nearly snatched a dramatic win. Dawson’s long range effort went wide from 25 yards and somehow, from in front of goal, they were denied by the quick reactions of Atkinson. 

The Avenue immediately went on the counter attack. Substitute Adam Nowakowski paused and played a perfect pass towards Isaac Marriott, but was denied a shot on goal as an outstretched Gloucester City boot directed the ball towards goal, only for Lovett to produce a fine save at his far post.

Gloucester City: Lovett, Carline, Whittle (James 66) Gunning, Daly, Dawson, Thomas, Asante, McClure, Mensah, Morgan (O’Sullivan 79)

Subs not used: Robert, Bailey-Nicholls, King

Goals: Asante (15), (pen 23), McClure (17), Mensah (61)

Yellow cards: Morgan, James

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Windass, Lund, Toulson, Hibbs, Sanyang (Nowakowski 84), Knight, Clee 

Subs not used: Downing, Huffer, L.Lyons

Goals: Knight (6), Hibbs (32), Boyes (46), Windass (52)

Yellow cards: Boyes, Ross

Referee: Sam Mulhall

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors