26 Jan 2020

MATCH REPORT: Altrincham 2-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

It became seven defeats in eight for an Avenue side falling increasingly into relegation as playoff chasing Altrincham deservedly ran out 2-0 winners at Moss Lane.

Avenue hoped to lean on the reverse fixture between the two sides — a 2-0 victory at Horsfall Stadium — but Altrincham came out a completely different outfit compared to the side that the Avenue saw just six weeks ago.

But it was a case of the same old for Avenue, as once again, they conceded in the first minute of the game. That makes it three times in their last five that they have conceded in the first five minutes with manager Mark Bower admitting that the slow starts are unacceptable as it leaves them “chasing the game”.

Avenue never really gained focus from the first whistle, and 45 seconds in, after some brilliant work down the right hand side of the Avenue area from Jordan Hulme, he managed to whip in a pitch perfect cross to Josh Hancock, who kept his composure to slot the ball home and inflict another disastrous start on the visitors.

It took a long time for Bradford to wake up and get any kind of foothold in the game as Altrincham dominated possession. Nicky Clee had a shot that went just over, before another brilliant chance fell his way.

Ryan Hall played a wonderful diagonal ball to new signing Stelios Demetriou, Demetriou then sent in a ball which looked begging to be slotted home, it landed to Clee at the back post but unfortunately he couldn’t get it under control and the ball hit his hand leading to an Altrincham free kick.

The first half then got even worse for Bower’s side as Altrincham went two ahead, this time through Jordan Jones heading home from another Jordan Hulme assist.

Coming out of half time, Avenue’s performance steadily improved but they didn’t do too much to test the Altrincham goalkeeper. Tom Clare came on for Ryan Hall on 55 minutes and did cause some problems for the Altrincham defence. The best chance of the half came when Ryan Hurst raced into the box from the left and had his shot well saved by Thompson, the rebound then fell high to Clare but he couldn’t quite get enough on the ball to force it in.

Altrincham looked happy to sit on the ball and not do too much more as time ran out, while Avenue struggled to do much with the ball when they did have it.

This result leaves Avenue falling further and further to the bottom of the table with relegation looking more likely as the weeks pass by while Altrincham continue their march towards the playoffs.

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18 Jan 2020

Match Report: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-2 Brackley Town

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

Brackley continued their promotion push with a 2-1 victory away at Bradford (Park Avenue) in a game which confines Avenue further to the bottom of the table.

It wasn’t the best of games to watch. It was a cagey opening with Avenue dominating most of the possession in the first half. Chances were at a premium, though, with neither side being able to muster up anything too concrete.

The best chances of the half fell to Hall and Armson, but neither were able to put their side into the ascendency.

After a period of Avenue domination at the start, Brackley soon found themselves getting more and more into the game and they were rewarded by taking the lead just before half time. It was a sloppy goal to concede from an Avenue point of view but Ndlovu wouldn’t have cared, back heeling the ball into the net for his 11^th goal in 9 games.

The second half was much like the first, very cagey with not much to split the two teams. Brackley, though, managed to kill the game with a 2^nd goal through Armson. Tom Clare managed to grab a consolation for Avenue late on, but it was too little too late for the hosts as Brackley managed to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 games.

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12 Jan 2020

Match Report: Hereford 1 – 1 Bradford

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Avenue returned from Edgar Street with a single bitter-sweet point yesterday following a superb performance that was only thwarted by some superb goal keeping.

The game didn’t start out as well as it was set to go on however, as Pope’s deflected shot from outside the box trickled in beyond the reach of a stranded Joe Green, Hereford taking the lead inside of 5 minutes.

Not long after Johnson had a chance to level the scores as he was played through by Adam Nowakowski, but it wasn’t to be as his resulting shot went wide.

Green was then called into action to save an Alex Bray effort after the Bradford defence failed to close the midfielder down.

Hereford’s early lead was quickly put to an end on 19 minutes. It was Avenue captain Nicky Clee who stepped up and scored his second goal in as many games, reading a loose ball in the box to smash in a half volley.

Having gotten a taste for goal, Clee received the ball inside his own half and, spotting the Hereford stopper off his line, took a shot from 50 yards that only missed by a fine margin.

Half Time: Hereford 1 – 1 Bradford

Having dominated possession and play in the first half, Avenue came out to find Hereford’s resolve had strengthened. Assisted by a strong wind the Bulls would have the better of chances in the early part of the second half.

Sodiende used his superior pace to break through the Bradford back line, going one on one with an on rushing Green, but his chipped shot was too high. Just clearing the bar to the shock of the Hereford supporters who had already cheered in unfounded celebration.

The Hereford number 10 had his best chance to find the net as the Bulls won a penalty following a miss kicked clearance from Lund. Sodiende latched onto the loose ball and drove forward into the box to be brought down by a last ditch tackle from Priestley, who received a yellow for his efforts.

Again, the Hereford supporters were ready to cheer, but it turned to groans as Sodiende’s effort hit the bar, and despite coming back across the face of the goal, it went out for a goal kick much to the relief of the travelling green army.

A 70th minute substitution saw Lewis Knight inject some much needed pace to the Avenue side, and he quickly had an impact, setting up Oli Johnson with a low cross, but Will Henry saved the shot before turning away a curled effort from Lund.

Bradford continued to apply pressure as Knight received the ball in his own half, racing past a stranded Hereford defence to produce an unbelievable save from man of the match, Henry.

Full Time: Hereford 1 – 1 Bradford

Attendance: 1586

Teams:

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4 Jan 2020

MATCH REPORT: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Boston United

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

In an entertaining duel at the Horsfall Stadium, Bradford (Park Avenue) fell 2-1 to Boston United in a result that sees them now falling deeper and deeper into the bottom of the Vanarama National League North table.

There was no place in which you could fault the effort and desire of the Avenue players, who gave it their all on the pitch, but once again it was the same story that has haunted them all season in which they just weren’t able to take their chances.

It was the worst possible start, though, for Bradford as they fell behind after just 45 seconds after the always dangerous Jordan Thewlis managed to slip in Dom Knowles, who showed his composure by slotting the ball comfortbaly underneath Joe Green to give his side the lead.

From then on, it was always going to be an uphill battle for an Avenue side, who, although they are playing well, are desperately struggling for points. Avenue manager Mark Bower was furious when his side wasn’t awarded a penalty after Tom Clare looked to have been fouled in the box and the Avenue the found themselves further behind after former player Simon Ainge managed to strike the ball home after Green wasn’t able to gather the ball from the inswinging corner.

Avenue didn’t let that finish them off, though, as they got themselves straight back into the game and it was Nicky Clee who brought one back for the hosts with an absolutely terrific half volley which Boston keeper, Peter Crook, simply could do nothing about.

And then soon after, Tom Clare latched onto a fantastic through ball from new signing Jake Hibbs, but his effort was remarkably saved by Crook who managed to touch the ball onto the post.

Both sides returned from half time, and although it was a feisty affair with strong challenges coming in from left and right, not much happened in regards with the ball until the Avenue started piling on the pressure late in the game, but somehow after chances with Oli Johnson and Adam Nowakowski, they somehow couldn’t find the net and the Avenue undeservedly fell to another defeat.

The result leaves Avenue bottom of the table, although a win wouldn’t have moved them up anyway, and next week they travel to Hereford to take on 16^th placed Hereford United.

BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE): Green, Toulson (Lund, 82). Staunton, Nowakowski, Hughes, Priestley, Hall, HIbbs, Clare (Johnson, 67), Hurst, Clee

SUBS NOT USED: Nicholson, Marriott

BOSTON UNITED: Crook, Penny, Whittle (Jackson, 46), Platt, Ainge, Garner, Woolford, Abbott, Knowles, Thewlis (Wafula, 90), Wright (Rollins, 83)

SUBS NOT USED: Southwell, Willis

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1 Jan 2020

MATCH REPORT: York City 2-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

Despite a spirited performance, the Avenue once again fell victim to the same team they lost to at the Horsfall Stadium last week.

But unlike last week, the Avenue players must have left the pitch feeling hard done by after putting in a much improved performance, and were probably the better team for most periods of the match but unfortunately, as has happened too much this season, mistakes came back to haunt them and they were unable to leave the Crescent Stadium with any of the spoils.

York began the game with plenty of possession, but Avenue gradually got more and more involved, and by the second half were, in most instances, the more dominant team – but by then, the damage had mostly been done, as York had taken the lead in the first 15 minutes of the game courtesy of Macauley Langstaff, who brilliantly kept his composure to turn the ball home after some wonderful play down the left from Adriano Moke created the opportunity.

Avenue, however, could have had a leveller almost instantly as Nowakowski, returning to the squad from injury, headed agonizingly over the bar. Another chance soon followed for Bradford as a mix up in the York defence led to newest signing, Ryan Hall, finding himself through on goal, but in a difficult position his touch was too heavy and that allowed the hosts goalkeeper to race out and clear the ball before Hall could get to it.

Chances then came for York to double their lead, but their shots weren’t threatening the returning Avenue keeper, Joe Green, and he did well to deal with a flurry of crosses that were sent into the box by the York fullbacks.

Avenue went into half time trailing 1-0, but importantly still in the game. As both sides returned from the break, it was Bradford who started to take more control of it, with the York fans getting visibly frustrated by them not being able to do much. York did have their chances to double their lead before they eventually did, Kieran Green coming closest after running through the Avenue defence but his thumping shot went just wide. Avenue, though, had chances themselves, the biggest coming through Ryan Hall but his efforts were superbly saved by the York City goalkeeper.

Despite the chances, it was York who scored the vital second goal just ten minutes from time, but it really should have been avoided. Captain Burrow was played through, but his shot was straight at Joe Green, but Green unfortunately let the ball slide through his hands and into the net; it was a harsh one for the keeper who was returning from injury as he had played a really good game beforehand.

It was always going to be difficult for Bradford to come back from such a deficit with a short amount of time left, but they didn’t give up and substitute Liam Hughes grabbed a consolation with a great strike, but it was too little too late as it ended up being the last kick of the game.

The result means that the Avenue remain bottom of the table, 4 points behind Blyth Spartans and 9 points behind Kettering Town.

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28 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Farsley 5-0 Avenue

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

A second half capitulation saw Bradford (Park Avenue) hammered at near neighbours Farsley Celtic.

Avenue were on top for the first period, missing a handful of chances before two penalties and three set-pieces gifted play-off chasing Farsley a victory.

Mark Bower’s visitors had some early danger to deal with as Tom Nicholson failed to gather a Farsley free-kick, and as Tom Allen looked set to prod the loose ball home, somehow Ryan Toulson got back to deny a certain goal.

The pitch was proving problematic for both sides as home goalkeeper Kyle Trenerry saw a miscued effort cannon dangerously off Lewis Knight, who saw a shot blocked away before he was forced off injured after just 19 minutes.

Avenue were well on top of their opponents as Isiah Bazeley, one of two changes to Bower’s starting 11, saw a low effort blocked away before Alex Hurst stung Trennery’s palms after cutting inside.

That preceeded a frantic last five minutes of the half, which saw both sides have their eyes on opening the scoring.

First, Hurst burst forward on the left, finding Johnson who couldn’t work room for a strike, Isaac Marriott’s eventual effort flying just wide.

Johnson then worked space in the area for a powerful strike which Trenerry again held at the second attempt, before Avenue’s biggest chance of the half.

A ricochet in midfield put Hurst through on goal but he couldn’t beat an onrushing Trenerry as the ball just wouldn’t settle for a strike.

And straight up the other end, Nicholson had to be at his best as a fortuotous bounce saw the loose ball fall Will Hayhurst’s way, but his low effort was well saved by the legs of Avenue’s number one.

Nicky Clee then saw an effort blocked by former Avenue man Adam Clayton, before Tom Allen flashed a dangerous cross across the face of Nicholson’s goal moments before the half-time whistle.

But immediately after the break, Avenue capitulated as Cartman opened the scoring little over two minutes into the half.

Bradford failed to defend a deep free-kick which Clayton volleyed across goal, Cartman there to bundle the ball over the line at the back post.

And less than two minutes later, Farsley were gifted the chance to double their lead as Marriott appeared to have prevent the danger from Tyler Walton’s burst into the box, but the Huddersfield loanee attempted a slide tackle, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Hayhurst, who had been wrongly announced as the scorer of the first, stepped up and found the bottom corner giving Farsley a two-goal lead after just five minutes of the second period.

It was a complete turnaround from the first half as Avenue couldn’t get out of their half, and their inability to defend set-pieces was their downfall once more.

A corner came in from the left on 63 minutes and fell perfectly for Dave Syers, who lashed home on the half-volley.

The pick of the goals came moments later, again as Avenue failed to clear a corner, the ball was headed around and found its way to centre-back Jack Higgins, who acrobatically volleyed the ball into the top corner, wheeling away in wild celebration.

Nicholson was still alert, keeping out a Hayhurst header which looked bound for the top corner, before Reece Staunton did brilliantly to get back as Syers was in on goal, the number one then unconventionally saving Luke Parkin’s follow-up with his feet.

There was time late in the day for Farsley to add a fifth as another ridiculous slide tackle came in in the area, and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot again. Hayhurst picked himself up and converted once more to round off the scoring.

There was a moment to celebrate for Avenue in the second period, as Jamie Lyons came off the bench for his league debut, the first time an Avenue Academy graduate has appeared for the first team.

Farsley Celtic: Trenerry, Richards, Allen, C.Atkinson, Higgins, Clayton (c), Walton (B.Atkinson 79), Syers, Cartman (Parkin 71), Hayhurst, Francis

Subs not used: Wynne, Ellis, Regan

Goals: Cartman (48), Hayhurst (50P), Syers (63), Higgins (65)

Booked: Higgins (66), Allen (74)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Nicholson, Toulson, Staunton, Lowe (c), Priestley, Bazeley (Lyons 73), Knight (O.Johnson 19), Marriott, Clare, Hurst, Clee (Hughes 73)

Subs not used: Lund, Dickinson

Referee: Dean Hulme

Attendance: 784

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26 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-2 York City

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) remain bottom of the National League North after a 2-0 defeat at home to York City.

Goals at either side of the half from Kieran Green and Jordan Burrows gifted York their first win this month after previously going three games without a win.

It was a very lively start to the game, and despite York controlling the majority of the possession for most periods, chances came and went for either team. Alex Hurst came antagonisingly close to breaking the deadlock for the Avenue in the first real big chance of the game but his left-footed effort from just inside the York box rolled wide of the post with York keeper Pete Jameson looking beaten.

Almost instantly after that Avenue chance, York had a huge one of their own when Kieran Green raced clear on the right-hand side in the Avenue half, his low cross into the box then just narrowly evaded the incoming striker, Jordan Burrows, to keep the scores at 0-0, although both sides really should have gone ahead within that two minute period.

Afterwards, there were small chances for both teams, Tom Clare shot over from around 25 yards out on a half volley but it was York City who struck with the all-important first goal of the game; sloppy play from the Avenue resulted in Nicholson having to make a decent save from a York header, but the rebound from the save fell to Kieran Green and the York man made no mistake in slotting the ball home to give the visitors the lead.

From then on, Avenue’s confidence seemed wounded and York began to take more and more control of the game with the away side putting the Avenue defence under an increasing amount of pressure, with the biggest chance coming from Kieran Green who’s header from McLaughlin’s free kick struck off the post, but their efforts into building onto their lead were unsuccessful heading into half time.

When the sides returned from half time, it didn’t take long for York to strike the deadly blow, which came in the form of a 2^nd goal for the visitors courtesy of captain Burrows. The York striker gave York complete control, heading the ball into the net after some brilliant work on the right hand side of the Avenue area from Kallum Griffiths.

The second goal for York seemed to awaken the Avenue side for a brief spell, and they came so close to getting themselves back into the game but Tom Clare couldn’t connect onto a wonderful ball that was sent in from Alex Hurst.

From then on, the sting seemed to be taken out of the game with not much created – York happy to let Avenue see more of the ball, but remaining resolute at the back to ensure that they wouldn’t concede.

The game continued but Avenue looked out of answers, and on a dull afternoon in West Yorkshire, it was another dull result for an Avenue side who need to start picking up points very soon to have a chance of avoiding the drop.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Nicholson, Toulson (Bazeley 74), Staunton, Lowe (c), Priestley, Royle, Knight, Hurst, Clare, O.Johnson (Marriott 58), Clee (Hughes 74)

Subs not used: Green, Lyons

Booked: Bazeley (89)

York City: Jameson, Griffiths, Ferguson, Newton, Tait, McLaughlin, Langstaff (Durrell 76), Moke, Burrow (c), Green (Bond 86), Kempster (King 86)

Subs not used: Maguire, Whitley

Goals: Green (26), Burrow (51)

Booked: Ferguson (89)

Referee: Simeon Lucas

Attendance: 1,127

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21 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Spennymoor Town 3-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

It was yet another league away defeat for the Avenue as they fell 3-0 to Spennymoor Town on a bitterly disappointing Saturday afternoon in County Durham.

In a game in which the hosts dominated possession, the Avenue knew that when the chances came, they had to take them but unfortunately that wasn’t the case as they were unable to find their clincial nature when they needed it the most.

It was a quiet beginning to the game, the home side had the majority of the possession but didn’t really show much attacking intent as Avenue defended well. A couple of decent chances fell Avenue’s way before Spennymoor opened the scoring, the most notable chances coming for Tom Clare and Isaac Marriott.

Clare’s opportunity came just after the 20 minute mark – some sublime play down the left from Oli Johnson allowed to him to find Nicky Clee in space who’s cross into the box met the head of Clare who outleaped the Spennymore defence, but his header was saved by Gould, who enjoyed a fine afternoon in net for the hosts.

Almost instantly after that chance, though, Spennymoor had one of their own. Earing found space and ran into the Avenue half, and his through ball to Ramshaw allowed Ramshaw to get a strike off on goal which hit the bar.

A couple of early subs were then forced for Mark Bower’s side with Adam Nowakowski, making his 100^th appearance for the Avenue, substituted off after just half an hour, and he was shortly followed by Mitch Lund with both men leaving with suspected injuries.

Spennymoor took the lead in the 33^rd minute through Ramshaw, who was played through on goal and calmly slotted past Avenue debutant Nicholson.

Coming out of half time, Avenue’s performance improved as they enjoyed more of the possession, but that possession didn’t translate to too many chances – the best one falling to Tom Clare, who shot just wide after doing well to create himself some space just inside the Spennymoor box.

Despite Avenue being the better team in the second half, it was Spennymoor who scored the crucial second goal of the game through Mark Anderson, who then also made it 3-0 with a wonderful half volley from 25 yards out which capped off an unfortunate afternoon for Bradford.

Magnay was given his marching orders by the ref deep into stoppage time after receiving his second yellow of the game, but it was too little too late for the Avenue who now face the difficult task of playing York City on Boxing Day.

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20 Dec 2019

Match Report: Halesowen Town (A)

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team Match Reports, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) will focus all attention on the league following their exit from the FA Trophy this week.

With a number of players cup tied or injured ahead of the clash, Avenue Academy prospect Jamie Lyons was handed his first start with the senior squad, whilst Andre Johnson replaced his namesake, Oli Johnson who started the fixture on the bench.

Avenue got off to a good start and had the better of the play for the majority of the first half, but were unable to find the net.

It was the home side though who broke the deadlock on the 37th-minute. They cleared up a promising Avenue attack, turning into a counter as Cobourne showed his pace to break through the back line and slot the ball past against Green in a one on one.

HALF TIME: 1-0

Spurred on by taking the lead, Halesowen came out after the break with renewed vigour and pressed the Avenue repeatedly, before eventually extending their advantage in a similar fashion to their first goal.

Cobourne’s pace and positioning allowed the striker to leave Bradford’s defence behind before winning another one on one with the Avenue stopper.

The best chance of the night came from substitute, Oli Johnson, his backheel flick dipping towards the top corner, but the Yeltz stopper Brendon Bunn pulled off a stunning save to tip over the ball over the bar.

The major talking point of the game came when Avenue keeper Joe green collided with Molyneux, resulting in an eight-minute stoppage and a trip to the infirmary for Green, who had to be stretchered off before being replaced by the vastly-experienced Steve Dickenson.

Bradford take to the field again this Saturday when they travel to sixth-placed Spennymoor Town in the National League North.

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14 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT: Bradford (Park Avenue) 2-2 Halesowen Town

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

A replay will have to be played to see who advances to the second round of the FA Trophy after Bradford and Halesowen played out a 2-2 draw at the Horsfall Stadium.

It was a very cagey affair to begin, both teams seemingly having to get accustomed to the weather, which was at its winter worst.

Not much was created in the opening 15 minutes. Both teams enjoyed their fair share of possession but couldn’t break through the back line. The biggest chance fell to Lewis Knight — a very daring ball was sent over the top which took the Halesowen defence by surprise, Knight was able to race through but was beaten to the ball by goalkeeper Brendan Burr who was able to clear.

Just minutes later, however, it was that man Lewis Knight who broke the deadlock to give the Avenue the lead. A mistake from the Halesowen defender who mistimed the ball allowed Lewis Knight to slot the ball into the bottom left corner of the net – it was a wonderful finish from the team’s top scorer, who had his back turned to goal, and had to turn quickly to stop the on-rushing goalkeeper from being able to gather the ball.

The lead didn’t last long, though, as Halesowen equalised just minutes later through wing back Robert Evans – a burst of pace from the number 2 saw him race through on goal, and with only Joe Green to beat, he smashed the ball into the Avenue net to bring the teams level.

After a slow second half, it picked up in the final 20 minutes. Halesowen awarded a penalty which Ashley Sammons smashed into the top right corner of the Avenue net.

Halesowen then looked to cling onto the lead, but in the 83^rd minute captain Keith Lowe equalised for the Avenue, headering the ball into the net after the ball was played in to give the hosts hope of an unlikely comeback.

Avenue then had a chance to steal the win, but Andre Johnson’s late effort struck the post as the game finished 2-2.

The sides will now meet in a replay at Halesowen this Tuesday (17th December) to see who advances to the 2nd round.

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