Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Pontefract Collieries
Northern Premier League East Division
Friday 26 December | 1:00pm KO | Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium on Boxing Day for a festive league fixture against familiar opponents Pontefract Collieries, with a 1:00pm kick-off set to begin a full day of football across the district.

The two sides have already met twice this season, both occasions ending in convincing victories for Avenue. The first came earlier in the campaign in the league, when Pontefract were ground sharing at Ossett, as goals from Mark Beevers and a Charlie Winfield brace secured a 3–0 win. More recently, the teams met again at Horsfall in the West Riding County Cup, where Connor Shanks struck twice before Tom Corner added a late third to seal another 3–0 success.

Those results will offer confidence for Craig Elliott’s side, but Boxing Day fixtures rarely follow a script. Pontefract arrive determined to reverse recent outcomes and will be well aware that Avenue’s league position and performances have not always reflected the margins within games. With the festive schedule placing physical and mental demands on squads, sharpness and game management will be crucial.

Avenue will be keen to end 2025 on a positive note in front of a home crowd, with Horsfall traditionally providing a strong atmosphere on Boxing Day. The earlier kick-off also offers supporters the chance to make the most of the day, with affordable entry prices designed to welcome families and occasional visitors during the festive period.

Admission for this fixture has been reduced, with adults priced at £7, concessions £5, youths £3, and juniors just £1, making it one of the most accessible matchdays of the season. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16279

With recent head-to-head form, home advantage, and the backing of the Green Army, Avenue will look to impose themselves early and set the tone for the afternoon. Pontefract, meanwhile, will see this as an opportunity to spoil the party and claim a valuable festive result.

Kick-off is at 1:00pm on Friday 26 December at Horsfall Community Stadium.

At the halfway point of the 2025/26 Northern Premier League East season, Bradford (Park Avenue) find themselves firmly in the promotion picture, sitting fourth in the table after 22 of 42 league matches. With 39 points on the board, Avenue remain within touching distance of the leading pack, reflecting a first half of the campaign built on consistency, defensive organisation and resilience, while also highlighting areas still requiring improvement as attention turns to the second half of the season.

League Performance So Far

After 22 league fixtures, Avenue’s record stands at 10 wins, 9 draws and just 3 defeats. That low number of losses is among the best in the division and underlines the side’s ability to remain competitive week in, week out. Defensively, the numbers are particularly encouraging, with only 17 goals conceded, one of the strongest records in the league, contributing to a goal difference of +12.

The number of drawn matches has been a defining feature of the campaign. While remaining unbeaten across extended spells has ensured a steady accumulation of points, several matches have ended level where Avenue will feel there was potential to take more. With 29 goals scored, attacking output has been solid rather than prolific, often requiring patience and control in tight contests.

Despite this, the league table remains extremely compact behind leaders Redcar Athletic. Avenue are just three points off second placed Emley, who Avenue will be visiting on Friday 19th December, and remain firmly embedded in the leading group, where small runs of form are likely to prove decisive as the season progresses.

Cup Competitions

Alongside league commitments, Avenue have competed across three cup competitions during the first half of the season.

The FA Cup run came to an end with a 1–3 defeat against Avro, opposition from the Northern Premier League West Division. The tie was closely contested but ultimately decided by a single goal.

In the FA Trophy, Avenue produced a strong performance away at Radcliffe, a National League North side competing at the top end of their table two divisions above. A 2–2 draw over 90 minutes highlighted Avenue’s ability to compete against higher-level opposition, before the campaign concluded following a penalty shootout.

There has been greater progress in the West Riding County Cup, where Avenue recorded a convincing 3–0 victory away at Selby Town last time out, keeping hopes of silverware alive as the season moves into the new year.

Squad Management and Stability

Stability has been a key theme throughout the opening half of the campaign. Craig Elliott has continued as manager, supported by assistants Ryan Toulson and Danny Ellis, with Karl Leneghan overseeing goalkeeping duties. That continuity has been reflected on the pitch, particularly in Avenue’s defensive structure and overall organisation.

Squad movement has been minimal. Myles La Bastide has joined Silsden on loan, while Josh Ashman has moved to Mickleover until the end of the year, both decisions taken with player development and long-term planning in mind.

Looking Ahead

At the midway point of the season, Avenue are well positioned to push on. The foundations are strong, with a disciplined defensive unit, tactical clarity and a squad capable of competing with the division’s leading sides.

The challenge in the second half of the campaign will be turning more controlled performances into victories, particularly in matches where patience and efficiency are required. With 20 league fixtures still to play and the table tightly packed, consistency across the coming months will be crucial.

Bradford (Park Avenue) enter the second half of the 2025/26 season firmly in contention, with everything still to play for.

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Half Season Tickets On Sale Now

With Avenue well placed at the halfway stage of the campaign, Half Season Tickets for the remainder of the 2025/26 season are now available.

Half Season Tickets are activated immediately upon purchase and provide admission to every remaining home league fixture at the Horsfall. As of 15 December 2025, there are 11 home league matches remaining, making this the ideal time to secure excellent value while guaranteeing your place for the run-in.

Half Season Ticket Prices:

• Adults & Concessions – £60 (equivalent to £5.45 per game)
• Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces, Premier League, EFL & National League Season Ticket Holders – £40 (£3.64 per game)
• Youth (12–17) – £24 (£2.18 per game)
• Under-12s – £8 (£0.73 per game)
• Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Under-18s) – £120 (£2.73 per person, per game)

Supporters can purchase Half Season Tickets in person, online for collection, or choose postal delivery for a small additional fee. Tickets can be posted worldwide, although delivery times may vary by location. Please note that the UK Christmas delivery cut-off date is 17 December.

The club is open this week on Monday 1-9pm, Tuesday 1-9pm, Wednesday 1–9pm, Friday 1–3pm, and Sunday 11–4pm for Half Season Ticket sales and shop purchases. Supporters are welcome to browse the retail range or have their Half Season Ticket printed on the same day. As you enter the stadium via Cemetery Road, turn left and head to the Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC Office, located to the right and up the ramp from the Green Army Cafe.

For more information or any enquiries, please email Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com.

Secure your place for the second half of the season and back the Green Army at the Horsfall.

Purchase your Half Season Ticket here:
https://bpafc.com/product/2025-26-season-tickets/

Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Lincoln United on Saturday as Northern Premier League East Division action continues.

Avenue head into the fixture sitting fourth in the table, having collected 38 points from 21 matches. Craig Elliott’s side come into the game on the back of a late 2–1 victory over Blyth Spartans at the Horsfall, extending a strong run of form that has kept Avenue firmly in the play-off places.

Lincoln United approach the contest under relatively new management. Former manager Scott Hellewell and assistant Paul Grimes were relieved of their duties on 18 November, with Director of Football Dave Frecklington taking interim charge. On 28 November, the Whites confirmed the appointment of Billy Heath as their new First Team Manager, with Heath officially beginning his role in early December. Avenue supporters may remember Heath from his time in charge of Alfreton Town during Bradford (Park Avenue)’s spell in the National League North.

United currently sit 18th in the East Division and remain locked in a tightly contested battle in the lower half of the table. Recent results have included a home win over Blyth Spartans, a draw away at Newton Aycliffe, and a narrow home defeat to Ashington, underlining their competitiveness despite their league position.

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Avenue record a 3–0 victory at the Horsfall, but Saturday’s meeting presents a different challenge on Lincoln’s home turf, particularly with United settling into a new managerial era.

Kick-off is at 3pm at the Sun Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium, with Avenue once again backed by the travelling Green Army.

Match details
Lincoln United vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
Saturday 13 December 2025
3pm kick-off
Sun Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium
Ashby Avenue, Lincoln, LN6 0DY

Supporters are reminded that the final date for guaranteed UK delivery for orders from www.bpafc.com before Christmas is Tuesday 17 December.

A wide range of club merchandise is available to order online at www.bpafc.com/shop, including books, Capelli winter coats, 1/4 zips, bomber jackets, duffel bags, backpacks, home and away kits, and a selection of accessories.

We post worldwide, with delivery times varying depending on the destination. For UK orders needed before Christmas, please ensure all purchases are completed by the 17 December cut-off.

We are open this week 1–9pm, Thursday 1–9pm, and Sunday 11–4pm for in-person shop sales and collections. Supporters are welcome to browse the shop or combine their visit with Half Season Ticket purchases and same-day ticket printing.

For all enquiries, please contact Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com

Make sure your Bradford (Park Avenue) gifts arrive in time by placing your order before the cut-off date.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm that Half Season Tickets for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign are now on sale, both online and in store.

As of 9 December 2025, there are 11 home games remaining, making this the perfect time to secure exceptional value while guaranteeing your place at every remaining matchday at the Horsfall.

Half Season Ticket Prices:
Adults & Concessions – £60 (equivalent to £5.45 per game)
Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces, Premier League, EFL & National League ST Holders – £40 (£3.64 per game)
Youth (12–17) – £24 (£2.18 per game)
Under-12s – £8 (£0.73 per game)
Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 U18s) – £120 (£2.73 per person, per game)

Supporters can purchase Half Season Tickets in person, online for collection, or have their ticket posted for a small delivery fee. We post worldwide, although delivery times may vary based on location. Please note that for UK Christmas delivery, the cut-off date is 17 December.

We are open this week on Wednesday 1–9pm, Thursday 1–9pm, and Sunday 11–4pm for Half Season Ticket sales and shop purchases. Fans are welcome to browse our retail range or have their Half Season Ticket printed on the same day. As you enter the stadium through Cemetery Road, turn left and head to the Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC Office, located to the right and up the ramp from the Green Army Cafe.

For more information or any enquiries, please email Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com

Secure your place for the second half of the season and join the Green Army at the Horsfall.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to the Horsfall on Saturday afternoon to face Blyth Spartans, with Craig Elliott’s side aiming to extend a three-match unbeaten run and supporters able to take advantage of the club’s December discounted admission prices.

Avenue’s last home game came on Tuesday of last week, when they drew 0–0 with Consett under the lights. Since then, Elliott’s side have travelled twice and delivered two excellent 3–0 victories — first away at Bishop Auckland in the league on Saturday, and then on Tuesday night at Selby Town in the West Riding County Cup.

Those results have strengthened confidence, tightened things defensively, and pushed Avenue firmly back into rhythm ahead of a busy festive period. Avenue sit 4th in the Northern Premier League East table on 35 points after 20 games, well positioned in the promotion race.

Blyth Spartans arrive in West Yorkshire after a difficult first half of the season. They currently sit 22nd with 13 points from 19 matches, recording three wins, four draws and twelve defeats. Their recent form shows narrow losses to Bishop Auckland (1–2), Lincoln United (0–1) and Brighouse Town (0–1), while last weekend’s trip to Bridlington Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Despite their league position, Blyth have shown they can compete, picking up points in draws with Ashington, Hallam, North Ferriby and Emley, and claiming a strong 2–0 victory away at Garforth Town earlier in the season. They were also involved in one of the division’s most dramatic matches, a 4–3 defeat to Heaton Stannington that featured a late Blyth fightback.

This is the second meeting of the season between the sides. Avenue earned a 1–0 win at Croft Park in September thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Louie Chorlton, controlling much of the play in a disciplined, patient away performance. With Avenue looking to extend their unbeaten run and Blyth desperate to climb away from the foot of the table, another competitive afternoon is expected at the Horsfall.

Following our win in the West Riding County Cup vs Selby Town, Manager Craig Elliott had this to say:

“The lads have done themselves justice tonight and we’ll train well on Thursday and look forward to another tough test. We’re feeling a lot more positive — three games unbeaten now, and two good wins with goals and clean sheets.

There are no long-term targets, we just want to keep winning football matches. The lads are a great group, they care, they work hard, and we’re in a good place heading into the weekend.”

Saturday’s match is part of the club’s December discounted admission offer — the lowest prices of the 2025/26 season.

Tickets are priced at £7 for Adults, £5 for Concessions (65+, Students, Bluelight, Forces with ID), £3 for Youths (12–17) and £1 for Juniors under 12.

Hospitality is also available for just £15, offering great value for supporters looking to enjoy the matchday experience. All tickets, including hospitality, can be purchased via Fanbase at:

https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16278

With Avenue in strong form and looking to push further up the table, your support will once again play a vital role. We look forward to welcoming you this weekend.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to action on Tuesday evening as Craig Elliott’s side travel to Selby Town in the West Riding County Cup.

The tie takes place on Tuesday 2nd December 2025, with a 7:45pm kick-off at Richard Street, Selby (YO8 4BN).

Avenue will be looking to build on Saturday’s strong performance and continue progressing in the competition, with another opportunity for the squad to show momentum and character as we head into a busy winter period.

Live commentary will be available on AvenueOnAir for supporters unable to make the trip.