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

Following debutant’s Omar Sanyang header, saved by George Willis, quick reactions from the home side saw Hibbs fire home from 12 yards to give his side the lead.

The Avenue doubled their advantage after fine play between Isaac Marriott and Clee, saw the number eleven unleash an unstoppable strike into the top corner from 16 yards.

The visitors, buoyed by being unbeaten before kick-off, were playing with plenty of confidence flowing through their veins.
The first notable opportunity fell to striker Elliott Reeves who capitalised on confusion between Luca Havern and Dan Atkinson, but his instinctive effort smashed against the side-netting from eight yards.

Billy Heath’s side continued to dominate the game and forced Atkinson into two excellent saves. Firstly, the Avenue number one denied midfielder Dan Bradley who struck a low right-footed effort towards the bottom corner. 
Ten minutes later, Reeves collected a loose pass from the Avenue, but the striker’s powerful strike was pushed wide from close range.

Then, somehow, the away side didn’t break the deadlock. Inside the box, Bobby Johnson fired an effort on target which was superbly saved by Atkinson. From the rebound, Reeves set himself up, and his strike was bravely blocked by Hibbs and smashed against the woodwork from six yards.

With the half drawing to a close, the Avenue started to look more dangerous and Willis was called into action after stinging his palms from a 25 yard strike from Clee.

After the break, and still in the game, Mark Bower’s side looked stronger and caused more problems for the Alfreton Town defence for the final 45 minutes.

Harry Boyes, who continues to impress in the white and green, was cutting through small gaps to create chances and winning vital free-kicks in crucial areas of the pitch. It was his delivery which found Hibbs but his header was saved by Willis from 12 yards.

With twenty minutes left, Bradford opened the scoring. Lewis Knight delivered a teasing cross to Sanyang, who’s header was saved by Willis. But, he was alert and first to the second ball which allowed him to pass to Clee, and his first-time lay-off was struck home by the unmarked Hibbs.
Proving difficult to break down, the Avenue extended their lead in fine fashion. A quick counter-attack started by Clee saw Marriott take his time after receiving a diagonal ball. The midfielder spotted and chipped an excellent ball to Clee at the far post and he fired a left-footed shot into the top corner.

The visitors tried to find a way through a stubborn Avenue defence but were denied, with excellent organisation from back to front. 
Into additional time, the tireless Marriott sprinted to chase down a short back-pass and managed to beat Willis to the ball. From 35 yards, on the touchline, the young midfielder tried to score, but his effort brushed the post which saw the referee blow his final whistle as the Avenue dugout celebrated an excellent victory

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern (c), Lund, Hibbs, Toulson, Sanyang (Downing 86), Knight (Lyons 76), Clee.

Subs not used: Fawcett, Huffer, Windass.

Goals: Hibbs (69), Clee (78)

Alfreton Town: Willis, Atkinson, Fox (Clackstone 50), Branson, Lees, Jones, Smith (Day 79), Bradley (c), Walker (Tuton 63), Reeves, Johnson.

Subs not used: Unwin-Maris, Lund

Yellow: Branson

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors 

Referee: James Westgate

The Avenue started well as the rain cleared in time for kick-off. With players playing in unfamiliar positions, Jordan Windass crossed the ball from his right wing but Adam Nowakowski’s header was saved by Matt Urwin from eight yards.

The away side weathered the early storm and started to create plenty of chances  themselves. Looking to their number nine Harry Cardwell, the Magpies worked the ball into his feet on several occasions but he was denied by Dan Atkinson.

Then, the striker had two great opportunities to give his side the lead. One header was saved expertly at the near post and another from a corner went wide, despite being unmarked in the penalty area.

As the half went on, it was Mark Bower’s men who could’ve opened the scoring. Isaac Marriott dribbled past three players and his final shot was pushed wide by Urwin from 20 yards.

Shortly after, Jamie Lyons was unlucky not to score. An excellent cross from Windass was toe-poked by the Academy starlet towards goal, forcing Urwin into another fine save from close range.

After the break, Chorley FC were quick out of the blocks and took the game to the hosts.

Within the opening couple of minutes, Elliott Newby tried to catch Atkinson out at his near post but the Avenue number one made a fine save with his outstretched leg.

Then, a big moment in the game saw striker Connor Hall brought down, 30 yards from goal, by Atkinson. The referee went to speak to his assistant and the goalkeeper a yellow card.

A few minutes later, defender Lewis Baines found himself in the penalty area, but his header from a Newby cross flashed wide from 12 yards.
The Avenue, having not conceded, grew in confidence and nearly broke the deadlock. Jake Hibbs pulled the ball back from the right wing to substitute Lewis Knight, who tapped the ball into the feet of Windass, but the winger’s right-footed shot was saved by Urwin.

Then, a second game-changing decision saw Atkinson give away a penalty, after bringing down Hall inside the box. Substitute Lewis Reilly stepped up and Atkinson, somehow, made a stunning save to his right and got back up to make an equally impressive block from the rebound.
With the final whistle approaching, the Avenue nearly snatched a dramatic winner.

Harry Boyes, once again impressing in the white and green jersey, received a neat pass from Nicky Clee, and the left back’s effort took a deflection which brushed past the post from 14 yards.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern (c), Lund, Toulson, Hibbs, Nowakowski (Knight 46), Windass (Downing 80), Lyons (Clee 52)

Sub not used: Fawcett

Yellow: Atkinson

Chorley FC: Urwin, Birch, Walker, Halls, Leather (c), Baines, Shenton (Reilly 70), Calveley, Cardwell, Hall, Newby (Conn-Clarke 64)

Subs not used: Smith, Marah, Garrett

Yellow: Halls

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors 

Referee: Aaron Bannister

The winger opened his account tapping home a cross from Brad Dockerty before back-heeling the ball into the bottom corner following a one-two with Adam Nowakowski.

With only a minute on the clock, Dockerty used his pace down the right wing and pulled an excellent cross into the box which was converted by Johnson from close range.

Back at the beginning of the year, Nicky Clee nearly scored an extraordinary goal from 45 yards at Edgar Street and the midfielder tried his luck with a similar attempt, but goalkeeper Paul White was alert to make sure the Avenue didn’t extend their lead.

It was clear to see the team from West Yorkshire had spoken about the mistakes made at Kettering and were dealing with the direct approach from the Bulls, with long throws and deep crosses cleared away from danger. They restricted the hosts to long range efforts but they were nearly punished. 

Luke Haines decided to unleash a stunning strike from 25 yards which smashed against the woodwork.

A minute later, the Avenue won a free-kick, 20 yards from goal. Dockerty stepped up and struck an effort underneath the wall which was saved by White who quickly got up and blocked Luca Havern’s rebound from close range.

After watching Dockerty leave the field with an injury, the Avenue nearly conceded an equaliser as Lennell John-Lewis got the better of Mitch Lund and got away a shot on target, which was cleared off the line by the excellent left-back Harry Boyes.

The pressure continued as a loose ball from Lund was collected by midfielder Tom Owen-Evans who hit a lovely right-footed effort towards goal forcing Dan Atkinson into a fine save.

With the Bulls looking dangerous, the Avenue were clinical and scored a wonderful goal. Johnson dribbled past a couple of defenders, and after a neat flick from Nowakowski, the number seven, with his back to goal, produced a cheeky back-heel to give his side a two-goal lead.

From the restart, captain Jared Hodgkiss delivered a teasing ball into the penalty area and Dan Jones managed to get a toe to the ball but, luckily for the Avenue, brushed the post and went wide.

The second half got underway with Josh Gowling making a double substitution to get back into the game.

But Mark Bower’s side remained organised and disciplined, restricting their opponents in the final third. It was the team in amber who could’ve added a third.

Nowakowski, leading the line well all evening, tapped the ball into the path of his supporting midfielder Isaac Marriott. The young number four tried to curl a strike from 20 yards on target, but with White at full-stretch, the ball flew inches wide.

Twenty minutes later, Johnson could and probably should’ve had a hat-trick. A corner from Clee was flicked at the near post by Nowakowski to the unmarked winger, but off-balance, Johnson nodded over from eight yards.

As the clock approached 90 minutes, Bradford were resilient across the park, with the Bulls struggling to trouble Atkinson in the away goal. 

The full time whistle was blown to the delight of the visitors and three fully deserved points headed back to the Horsfall.

Hereford FC: White, Hodgkiss (c), Haines, Grimes, Wright, A.Jones (Klukowski 46), Owen-Evans (Mooney 46), Lloyd (Coke 74), John-Lewis, Finn, D.Jones

Subs not used: McQuilkin, Digie

Yellows: Jones, Owen-Evans 

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern, Lund, Johnson (Downing 87), Hibbs, Nowakowski, Dockerty (Windass 28), Clee.

Subs not used: Toulson, Fawcett, Lyons

Goals: Johnson (1), (38)

The home side took the lead inside the first few minutes with a speculative effort from Ben Stephens who caught Dan Atkinson off his line from 35 yards and the ball flew into the top corner.

Shortly after, a quick short-corner caught the Avenue and Ben Milnes’ delivery from the right wing was nodded home by Joshua Scott past Atkinson.

The midfielder doubled his tally for the afternoon as a long throw from Connor Kennedy was met by Scott, and his header went in the bottom corner from 12 yards.

After the break and with the wind in their favour, the Avenue started much better, trying to hit the channels and cause a few problems for the Poppies defence.

With the first minute of the restart, Luca Havern smashed the ball onto the opposition woodwork and Johnson was there to scramble home the rebound home after a Nicky Clee corner was half-cleared into the path of the Avenue captain.

But, Paul Cox’s side eased back into the game, and did a professional job to calm down their opponents early dominance.

The away side were restricted to very few chances, with Adam Collin making easy saves from Oli Johnson and Brad Dockerty.

It could’ve finished 4-1 but substitute Ben Acquaye was played through on goal but Isaac Marriott chased back and put in a superb block.

Kettering Town: Collin, Stohrer, McGrath, Milnes, Fryatt, Graham, Scott, Kennedy, Oyinsan, Stephens (Richens 72), Sherriff (Acquaye 80)

Subs not used: Bickley, Chisolm, Wilson.

Goals: Stephens (3), Scott (15), (35).

Yellows: Kennedy, Acquaye, McGrath

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern, Lund, Johnson (Hussain 75), Hibbs (Bradley 83), Nowakowski, Dockerty, Clee.

Subs not used: Toulson, Windass, Downing.

Goal: Johnson (46)

Yellow: Hibbs

The Avenue took a deserved lead thanks to Adam Nowakowski. A lovely cross from debutant Jordan Windass was met by the makeshift striker who nodded against the bar, only to smash home the rebound from five yards.

The lead lasted only six minutes as a well-worked Gateshead FC move saw Danny Greenfield drill a cross into the box which was guided into the bottom corner by Jordan Preston from close range.

After the restart, the visitors took the lead and held onto it for the rest of the game as a Jake Hibbs own goal flew past Dan Atkinson from close range 

Like the weekend, the Avenue were bright, trying to work the ball quickly from back to front, helped by a masterclass from Nicky Clee in the middle of the park.

Two early efforts from Brad Dockerty and Lewis Knight called the Heed goalkeeper James Montgomery into some early action, but the opposition number one was alert to deny both efforts from 16 yards.

An element of the game from Saturday which frustrated Mark Bower was giving away possession too easily and the Avenue could’ve been punished by Dan Ward and Preston, but both efforts flew over Dan Atkinson’s goal from distance.

Then, the Avenue, playing with confidence and plenty of zip in their play broke the deadlock. Windass pushed forward and crossed the ball to Nowakowski who flicked the ball with his head against the woodwork. Fortunately, the ball fell back to his feet and fired the ball past Montgomery.

The lead didn’t last long as Mike Williamson’s side worked the ball down the right wing and Greenfield fizzed a low cross towards Preston who smartly headed the ball past Atkinson from ten yards.

With half-time approaching, the men in green and white nearly regained their advantage, but Mark Ross’ header from Clee’s corner was cleared off the line.

After the break, Bradford could’ve scored a crucial second goal but Isaac Marriott’s lovely strike from 20 yards brushed past the post.

Despite enjoying some good possession, the Avenue conceded from a corner in consecutive games. A teasing delivery from Greg Olley was met by Ward and the ball bounced off Hibbs and into the back of the net

The Heed held on, producing a professional finish to the game, despite a late penalty shout from the Avenue dugout for a foul on Hibbs. The only opportunity for the hosts to equalise came into added time when substitute Tabish Hussain laid the ball into the path of Marriott, but the midfielder’s curling effort flew over the bar.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Windass, Downing (Johnson 78), Marriott, Ross, Lund, Knight (Hussain 69), Hibbs, Nowakowski, Dockerty, Clee (c) (Bradley 88).

Subs not used: Fawcett, Lyons.

Goals: Nowakowski (27)

Gateshead FC: Montgomery, Nicholson, Smith, Greenfield, Cooper, Griffiths, Ward (Langstaff 76), Hunter, Deverdics (c), Olley, Preston (Keating 80).

Subs not used: Dale, O’Donnell, Male.

Goals: Preston (33), Hibbs own goal (60)

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

The hosts opened the scoring with a superb finish from Lewis Knight before the break. Despite hanging on for an extra 40 minutes, the Avenue conceded two goals in two minutes from Glen Taylor and Stephen Thompson. Into additional time, Taylor converted a penalty to give Jason Ainsley’s side the victory.

The Avenue, wearing their new white kit with green trim, familiar to the 3G surface, were playing some lovely one-touch stuff. Knight, leading the line, was causing plenty of problems for Nathan Buddle and Jordan Boon, playing off the shoulder but he was flagged offside a couple of times.

The first effort fell to Rob Ramshaw after receiving a pass from Taylor, but the number ten dragged his shot wide from 20 yards.

The home side had to thank Dan Atkinson with a superb save with his feet from Mark Anderson from outside the box, following a quick counter-attack.

Then, the Avenue broke the deadlock. Former Spennymoor Town midfielder Jake Hibbs threaded a lovely ball into the path of Knight, and after composing himself, the striker slotted home from 18 yards

Buoyed by taking the lead, Mark Bower’s side were showing some confidence, matching their opponents across the park, with Dockerty and Knight making the most of some excellent midfielder play from Nicky Clee and Isaac Marriott.

Just before the half-time whistle, Spennymoor Town were awarded a penalty as Adam Nowakowski brought down Kennedy inside the box. The striker stepped up and fired his effort over the bar from the spot.

Following the introduction of former Avenue man Jamie Spencer, the visitors dominated the second half from start to finish.

Yet again, Atkinson was called into action and produced a stunning save from close range as Jason Kennedy struck a powerful strike towards goal.

The Avenue, not helped by the withdrawal of Clee, struggled to get out of their own half as the men in yellow and blue pushed numbers forward. They were rewarded with their attacking threat when Spencer was fouled by Luca Havern in the area.

Taylor grabbed the ball and struck his shot low but Atkinson guessed the same way and held onto the ball.

Both Dockerty and Marriott left the pitch forcing the Avenue into using all of their substitutions.

Eventually, the pressure was too much for the hosts as Stephen Thompson’s corner was met by Taylor to nod the ball inside the near post.

From the restart, the Avenue lost possession and Ben McKenna sprinted 60 yards before finding Thompson, who slotted the ball past Atkinson from 12 yards.

With plenty to do and losing Luca Havern, the Avenue couldn’t trouble Dale Eve in the Spennymoor goal. Into added time, the away side were awarded a third penalty of the afternoon and this time, Taylor smashed the ball down the middle to give the side from Brewery Field the win.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Downing, Marriott (Windass 72), Havern (c), Lund, Knight, Hibbs, Nowakowski, Dockerty (Johnson 66), Clee (Bradley 59).

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

Goals: Knight (32)

Yellow: Marriott (23)

Spennymoor Town: Eve, Hornby-Forbes, Blakeman (Spencer 45), Kennedy, Buddle, Boon, Thompson (Hall 85), Anderson, Taylor (c), Ramshaw, McKenna

Subs not used: Norton, Moke.

Goals: Taylor (79, 90+2), Thompson (80)

Yellow: Anderson (37)

Referee: Dean Watson

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors