1 Jan 2020

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

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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

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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

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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 2nd 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)

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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 100th 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 33rd 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)

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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

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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 83rd 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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7 Dec 2019

MATCH REPORT | Bradford (Park Avenue) 2-0 Altrincham FC

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Match Report by George Cliff

Bradford (Park Avenue) secured a vital 3 points at the Horsfall stadium on Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Altrincham. 

It was a cagey opening 10 minutes with neither side being able to create much, although Altrincham enjoyed the better of the possession. However, on the 11th minute, seemingly out of nothing the Avenue were able to break away on the far left with Oli Johnson playing a superb cross to Nicky Clee who then placed a fine ball across goal which fell to Tom Clare to tap into the net on his home debut to give Bradford a 1-0 lead. 

Nothing much happened afterwards leading into half time. Altricham continued to dominate the majority of the possession, but it was the Avenue who had the better of the chances. Oli Johnson had a decent shot saved by keeper Anthony Thompson, while Thompson again made a fine save from Lewis Knight’s header minutes later to keep the score at 1-0. 

Altrincham’s best chance of the half came through Thomas Peers, who was able to race through into a one-on-one battle with Joe Green, however, after trying to round the Avenue goalkeeper, his shot hit the bar. 

Coming out of the half, Bradford looked more comfortable to sit back to try and hold on to the lead. A big chance fell to Jon Royle who’s shot was brilliantly saved by Thompson to keep Altrincham in the game. 

It was a fabulous performance from the Altrincham goalkeeper who managed to keep them in the game – that was, until, the 88th minute when Oli Johnson was able to secure the victory for the Avenue after a wonderfully taken goal in which he was able to round Thompson after a burst of pace left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and then slot into the empty net. 

The victory earns a much needed three points for the Avenue who next week are in cup action at home against Halesowen Town in the first round of the FA Trophy. 

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30 Nov 2019

Match Report | Chester (A)

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Despite taking and holding the lead in the first half, Bradford were unable to take anything away from the 1885 Arena as Chester hammered home twice in the second half.

Bradford went ahead through Billy Priestley in the 15th minute as a low swung corner fizzed across the goal mouth, with the centre back turning the ball into the net off the outside of his foot.

Chester then enjoyed the lions share of possession through out the half as they looked to bring the game back to a level footing, and began to find openings as the half went on. Joel Taylor took advantage of space down the left side a number of times and the home side had a chance just before the break as Taylor crossed the ball to Dudley in the area, but his header flew over the bar.

The home side came out for the second half determined to find the back of the net and earned a corner within minutes of kick off. Joel Taylor’s corner made it’s way to Simon Grand at the back post but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

The equaliser did come though as a ball forward was deflected into the path of Anthony Dudley who had the better of the one on one with Green.

It didn’t take Chester long to capitalise again on their attacking form as Asante found the top corner just minutes later.

With the blues in the lead, Bradford settled back into the game and both sides continued to create opportunities but the back line of both squads kept chances to a minimum.

Just a minute before the end of regular time, Isaac Marriot was given his marching orders, receiving a second yellow for a dangerous foul on Stopforth, thus ending any chance of Bradford earning a point.

Chester: Griffiths, Morgan, Taylor, Stopforth, Livesey, Grand (c), Jackson, Glendon, Asante (Waring 84), Ngwatala (Elliott 76), Dudley (Hughes 84).
Substitutes: Waters, Burton.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Bazeley (Royle 46), Staunton, Lowe (c), Nowakowski (Hughes 70), Priestley, Knight, Toulson, O Johnson (Clare 76), Hurst, Marriot.
Substitutes: Dickinson, Hughes, Clare, A Johnson.

Goal Scorers: Chester: Dudley (49), Asante (53). Bradford: Priestley (15).
Yellow Cards: Bradford: Hurst, Priestley.
Red Cards: Bradford: Marriot
Attendance: 1,875

Referee: Adam Herczeg.
Assistant Referees: Declan Brown & James Welsh.

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25 Nov 2019

Match Report: Gloucester (A) FA Trophy 3Q

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It was a much needed win for Bradford (Park Avenue) as they defeated Gloucester City 2-0 on the road to advance in the FA Trophy.

Goals from Isiah Bazeley and Alex Hurst sealed the win for the Avenue in what was their first victory in 6 games.

Bradford showed intent from the first whistle and very much deserved the victory having more possession and the better chances throughout.

Man of the Match Reece Staunton, the 17 year old debutant on loan from Bradford City, set the tone for his performance early on, with a brilliant tackle of Gloucester’s Myrie-Williams who looked to be through on goal to keep the score at 0-0.

Avenue pushed on from this and in the 16th minute they were rewarded when they were given a free kick from around 25 yards out. Lewis Knight took the free kick and his effort struck the post, fortunately for Avenue the opportunity didn’t entirely go to waste as the ball then fell to Isiah Bazeley who calmly struck the ball through Gloucester keeper Will Henry to give Avenue to the lead.

Bradford gained confidence from taking the lead and minutes later could have doubled their advantage when Oli Johnson raced through on goal, but his strike at a tight angle was well saved by Henry.

Then on the 22nd minute Gloucester were handed a penalty, with the ref judging Green to have connected with Marlon Jackson when he was going for the ball. Luckily for Avenue Green saved the spot kick before also saving a diving header from Hanks on the rebound — a superb double save that seemed to give Avenue even more momentum for the remaining minutes.

Avenue continued to dominate possession from then on, but chances were few and far between — the closest coming for Gloucester when a speculative effort by Myriel-Williams from around 25 yards out hit the bar when it looked to have been dipping in.

But it was Bradford who scored the 2nd and vital goal in the 83rd minute. Alex Hurst, on the break, raced into the Gloucester box and cut inside leaving Hammilton for dead and his shot — which took a deflection going in — hit the back of the net to spark jubilant scenes for the Avenue who sealed their first victory in more than a month in what must be a major confidence booster for Mark Bower’s side.

Teams:

Bradford:

1 Green 2 Bazeley 3 Staunton 4 Lowe 5 Nowakowski 6 Priestley 7 Knight 8 Toulson 9 Johnson 10 Hurst 11 Marriott

Subs:

12 Lyons 13 Dickinson 14 Boshell 16 Johnson

Gloucester:

1 Henry 2 Thomas 3 Harper 4 Hamilton 5 Daly 6 Russe 7 Parker 8 Hanks 9 Jackson 10 Robert 11 Myrie-Williams

Subs:

12 Jackson 14 Avery 15 Hainault 16 Johnstone 17 Smith

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16 Nov 2019

Match Report | Bradford 0 – 3 Leamington

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Two goals and a red card in the first ten minutes set the tone for the fixture at the Horsfall stadium as a 10 man Avenue were unable to etch out any consolation and Leamington took away all three points.

What was considered to be a must win game by many at the Horsfall got off to the worst possible start for Bower’s men as March opened the scoring on the 8th minute, heading home from a corner at the near post.

Just one minute later Hughes brought down March in the box to concede a penalty and received a red card for his actions. March went on to secure his second, slotting the ball low and to the left a Green went the other way.

Half Time – Bradford 0 – 2 Leamington

Bradford came out after the break and pushed bodies forward as they looked to try and gain some impetus in the game, but were quickly caught out as March broke through on the counter just 4 minutes into the half and secured his hat trick as he went one on one with Joe Green.

The brakes looked to punish Bradford further as the half wore on, with an effort from Clarke sailing over Green only to come off the cross bar.

Another chance came in the 68th minute as Green was forced to tip the ball over the bar as it curled towards the top corner from an excellently placed strike by the goal hungry March.

Avenue continued to look for the ever elusive goal, but with the lion’s share of the possession falling to the Brakes, it never looked to be coming.

Full Time – Bradford 0 – 3 Leamington

Teams:

Avenue:
1 Green
2 Bazeley
3 Priestley
4 Lowe (C)
5 Hughes (Red – 9′)
6 Royle
7 Knight (O. Johnson – 67′)
8 Marriott
9 Sweeney (Heaton – 39′)
10 Hurst
11 Nowakowski (A. Johnson – 75′)

Subs:
12 Rathbone
14 A. Johnson
15 Heaton
16 O. Johnson

Leamington:
1 Weaver
2 English
3 Morley
4 Maycock
5 Mace
6 Lane
7 Carline
8 Clarke
9 March (Goals: 8′ 9′ & 49′) (Taylor – 78′)
10 Edwards (C) (Gittings – 61′)
11 Anderson (Dunbar – 70′)

Subs:
12 Walters
14 Dunbar
15 Gittings
16 Taylor
17 Murphey

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