10 Oct 2018

University Of Bradford Kick-Off Campaign To Support Bradford (Park Avenue)

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University of Bradford staff and students are being encouraged to get behind local side, Bradford (Park Avenue), for this year’s Non-League Football Day on the13th October.

Bradford, who currently occupy fourth spot in the table, will take on fellow high flyers Kidderminster Harriers who are two points ahead in second place.

The club are confident that, with the absence of any Premier League or Championship fixtures, they will be able to double their average attendance on the day.

Chief Executive, Rob Stanley, said: “Non-League day is a chance for people to come along and see what real football is like. Hopefully we will have around 800 people here cheering the team on, as Kidderminster look like one of the teams to beat this year.”

In a further boost, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts, the club’s owner who now lives in Texas, will be flying over for the game at Horsfall Stadium.

Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University of Bradford, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of a live football match. We have thousands of new and returning students on campus and it would be amazing to see them all there embracing the Team Bradford ethos.”

There is also a serious side to Non-League Day, with clubs fundraising to support Prostate Cancer UK. The aim is to raise awareness of a disease which, on average, kills one man every 45 minutes. Last year £15,000 was raised for the charity.

Tickets for the game are £12 for adults and £7 for students, but to encourage attendance both on the day and across the season, there will be some special offers available. Supporters who present a season ticket at the turnstile – regardless of club or sport – will get in for just £5, plus any student who attends on the day can purchase a Bradford Park Avenue season ticket for the discounted price of £10.

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6 Oct 2018

Bradford Eliminated By Ruthless Robins

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Bradford (Park Avenue) were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup by National League North counterparts Altrincham. 

After a first-half that failed to separate the sides, the visitors leaked two to send the Robins into the Fourth Qualifying Round of the prestigious competition.

Altrincham had two early opportunites to open the scoring, but Steven Drench held on to a flicked effort from Jordan Hulme and Sean Williams’ deflected effort struck the post. After the ball cannoned off the woodwork, it fell at the feet of John Johnston but the winger was thwarted by the Bradford stopper.

Drench remained busy in the early exchanges and his palms were stung by a long-range piledriver from Max Harrop.

Bradford caught their first glimpse of goal when Jake Beesley accelerated away from Connor Hampson and crossed, but Chris Dawson poked wide.

The chance seemed to rally Mark Bower’s side, who began to ask questions of their opponents. Ben McKenna nodded wide from a Danny Lowe delivery and Beesley also sent a header wide after connecting with a cross from Nicky Wroe.

Shortly after, McKenna rattled the post with a thunderous effort before the ball fell to Wroe on the edge of the box. The midfielder, however, couldn’t find the target and blasted wide.

They were soon rewarded for their pressure when Beesley was hauled to the ground by Jake Moult inside the 18-yard box. The forward stepped up and converted, giving Bradford a thoroughly deserved lead.

An acrobatic effort from McKenna then drew a magnificent save from Tony Thompson, who palmed the ball wide of the post at full stretch.

However, Bradford were sucker-punched as Hulme found Hampson with a low cross, enabling the defender to bundle over the line in the midst of a scramble.

Despite the blow, it took barely two minutes for the visitors to regain the lead. Wroe delivered a corner that found Shane Killock, who struck past Thompson.

The drama continued as stunned supporters witnessed another goal on the stroke of half-time. Jake Moult’s speculative strike from distance took a deflection that wrong-footed Drench and put the Robins back on level terms.

HALF-TIME: Altrincham 2-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Mark Bower was forced to shuffle his pack during the interval as Gianluca Havern was forced out of the action with injury. Conor Branson moved to the centre of defence as Jamie Spencer stepped off the bench and into midfield.

Bradford then made another enforced change, replacing Chris Dawson with veteran Danny Boshell.

The second-half didn’t quite reach the entertainment levels of the half that preceded it. Neither side was really troubled until the 57th minute when Harrop threaded through to Hulme and Killock was forced to block a low drive.

Johnston then came close to edging Altrincham ahead, but his curling effort was plucked out of the top corner by Drench.

However, the goalkeeper was unable to prevent James Jones steering home from Moult’s corner delivery and edging the Robins ahead.

Despite having a deficit to overturn, Bradford struggled to break the hardy hosts down and McKenna saw a dangerous delivery diverted away from danger by Tom Hannigan.

With just six minutes remaining, Altrincham extended their lead and deflated their opponents. Hulme cut in from the left before unleashing a vicious strike that rendered Drench helpless.

The visitors failed to mount a comeback and were condemned to their second defeat to Altrincham of the season,

FULL-TIME: Altrincham 4-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Altrincham: T. Thompson, White, Hampson, Jones, Hannigan, Moult (c), Johnston (Hancock 72′), Williams (Poole 72′), Hulme, Harrop, Dale (Peers 82′).

Unused substitutes: Goulding, J. Thompson, Densmore, Wynne.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Nowakowski 79′), Killock (c), Havern (Spencer 45′), McKenna, Branson, Beesley, Dawson (Boshell 52′), Clee.

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Atkinson, Knight, Johnson.

Referee: Dean Watson

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5 Oct 2018

Match Preview: Altrincham vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) visit National League North counterparts Altrincham tomorrow, looking to keep the Emirates FA Cup dream alive.

The two sides met less than a month ago in league action, but the Robins left the Horsfall Stadium with three points in the bag after a narrow 3-2 win.

Prior to the last meeting, Bradford had shipped seven goals in their previous two games but Altrincham will face a different beast at the J. Davidson Stadium tomorrow. Mark Bower’s side have tightened their backline significantly, keeping two consecutive clean sheets on the road against Darlington and Alfreton Town.

Altrincham progressed into the Third Qualifying round of the competition with a convincing disposal of Whitley Bay, finding the back of the net on five occasions with no reply from their opponents. Bradford’s test was considerably sterner but they advanced regardless, edging past Darlington with a 1-0 victory.

Despite impressing in the Second Qualifying Round, Phil Parkinson’s side head into the clash with Bradford on the back of a defeat to Kidderminster Harriers. Three first-half strikes from the Harriers helped see off the Robins, who failed to mount a comeback despite a flurry of late chances.

Mark Bower is well aware of the threat Altrincham pose but claims that his side are confident ahead of the game:

“You’ve got to take each game on its merits, both teams know each other well, we only played each other a couple of weeks ago and I’m sure they’ll have a plan for us and we’ve got to have a plan for them. It’s a difficult tie away from home, we saw how Altrincham are and they pushed Kidderminster all the way in their last game. But the lads are confident, we’ll go and give it everything we’ve got and hopefully we’ll get that bit of luck that seems to elude us in cup competitions and hopefully get into the fourth qualifying round.”

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS: 

The Gaffer:

Phil Parkinson

Parkinson was appointed as Robins manager in April 2017. He joined the club from Nantwich Town, who he had been in charge of since February 2015. During his time with the Dabbers, he guided the club to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy in 2016 and the semi-finals of the Northern Premier League play-offs in 2017. An FA Vase-winning captain as a player with Nantwich, he also represented Port Vale after having spells with Crewe Alexandra and Reading as a youth player.

One To Watch:

Jordan Hulme

Hulme is undoubtedly one of the division’s most potent forwards. The clinical finisher has found the back of the net on eight occasions already this season, picking up where he left off last season when he was the Robins’ top-scorer. He was also crowned the Northern Premier League Player of the Year after breaking the 30-goal barrier. Hulme worked with management duo Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at Ramsbottom United and Salford City before making the move to Moss Lane in July 2017.

Coverage: @BPAFCOfficial on Twitter (live text commentary)

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3 Oct 2018

Altrincham FC Away Travel

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The club are running a supporters coach to Altrincham FC Saturday 6th October 2018 and due to popular demand a bigger coach has been booked. Prices for seats have also been reduced to £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s.

To book your seat please call Neil Fawcett on 07811 959003

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29 Sep 2018

Branson Header Sinks Alfreton

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Bradford (Park Avenue) picked up their second consecutive win with a narrow victory over Alfreton Town, which saw Mark Bower’s side jump to third in the league table.

Conor Branson scored the only goal of the game in the 71st minute, causing Billy Heath’s side to plummet out of the play-off places.

Chances were few and far between in the first-half and neither goalkeeper faced stern tests. However, Alfreton players did had appeals for a penalty dismissed after Steven Drench collided with Richard Peniket whilst contesting a high ball.

In the opening twenty-five minutes, speculative shots from distance were all either side could muster but Bradford eventually had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Ben McKenna delivered from deep towards Branson, who headed back across goal but could only watch as Shane Killock volleyed over the crossbar.

The miss seemed to light a spark in both sides and the game livened up as half-time approached. Declan Bacon found Richard Peniket with an in-swinging cross but the forward skewed wide under pressure from Killock.

Jake Beesley reached the byline and pulled back to Nicky Clee, who blasted over the crossbar from just inside the 18-yard box.

After missing an opportunity just eight minutes prior, Peniket turned provider but Jordan Sinnott sent a volley wide after connecting with the forward’s cross.

A corner routine taken straight from the training ground opened up space for Nathan Hotte to shoot from the edge of the box but Beesley’s deflection took the ball over the crossbar and into the stand behind the goal.

With three minutes remaining until the interval, Bacon picked out Sinnott with an inch-perfect delivery from the let but the former Chesterfield man headed wide.

HALF-TIME: Alfreton Town 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

A bizarre incident took place just three minutes after the restart, when Reds goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom blatantly picked up a pass from defender Josh Gowling. Controversy followed as the referee refused to blow his whistle, causing an incensed Mark Bower to vent his frustration on the touchline.

In the early stages of the second-half, the teams cancelled each other out and both defended admirably, stifling any attempts to attack.

The first clear-cut opportunity of the half fell to Alfreton substitute Callum Chettle, who was denied by Drench after weaving his way past Danny Lowe.

Bradford were provided with two injections of energy as the game approached its final twenty minutes and the introductions of Jamie Spencer and Lewis Knight were the catalysts for an increase in the visitors’ tempo.

The tireless running of forward Beesley had given Alfreton defenders headaches throughout the game but he squandered an opportunity to edge Bradford ahead in the 68th minute. McKenna’s lofted pass landed at his feet and the loanee rounded Ramsbottom, but failed to convert with the net vacated.

His blushes were spared just minutes later, as Branson connected with a corner delivery from Nicky Wroe and powered a header past a helpless Ramsbottom.

The hosts failed to carve open Bradford’s defence in the late stages, despite being in desperate need of an equaliser. Nathan Hotte sent a long-range effort sailing wide and Josh Wilde lashed over from around 25-yards out.

FULL-TIME: Alfreton Town 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Alfreton Town: Ramsbottom, Clackstone (Clifton 79′), Wilde, Hotte, Gowling, Shiels (c), Bateson, Johnson, Bacon (Clarke 89′), Peniket, Sinnott.

 Unused substitutes: Nicholson, Platt.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Nowakowski 83′), Killock (c), Havern, McKenna, Branson, Beesley, Dawson (Spencer 65′), Clee (Knight 67′).

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Boshell.

Referee: Matt Corlett

Attendance: 487

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29 Sep 2018

Match Preview: Alfreton Town vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) visit Alfreton Town today, looking to build on last week’s Emirates FA Cup victory over Darlington.

Alfreton also booked their place in the next round of the competition last week but made hard work of it, needing a replay to advance at the expense of Sutton Coldfield Town.

However, focus returns to the National League North today as fourth-placed Bradford take on the sixth-placed Reds, who have made an impressive start to the campaign under the tutelage of Billy Heath.

It was a pulsating affair when the two sides last met in March but six goals couldn’t produce a winner in a 3-3 draw at the Horsfall Stadium. Matt Hill etched his name on the scoresheet and Oli Johnson netted a brace. Bradford last visited the Impact Arena in December 2017, emerging as convincing 3-1 winners.

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:

The Gaffer:

Billy Heath

Heath was appointed as Alfreton boss in May 2018 following the departure of Chris Moyses. A vastly experienced manager, he led North Ferriby United to two promotions during his time there and also guided the club to FA Trophy glory in 2015. In 2016, he left the Villagers to join F.C Halifax Town and oversaw the Shaymen’s promotion to the National League via the play-offs.

One To Watch:

Jordan Sinnott

The son of former Bradford (Park Avenue) boss Lee, Jordan Sinnott is one of division’s most talented midfielders. A creative player with an eye for goal, the 24-year-old’s sensational long-range strike helped the Reds see off Sutton Coldfield Town on Tuesday night. The Bradford-born midfielder began his career with Huddersfield Town but found first-team opportunities limited and enjoyed loan spells away from the club with Altrincham and Bury. He eventually joined Altrincham on a permanent deal in 2015, becoming a key player for the Robins before Billy Heath swooped to sign Sinnott a year later whilst in charge of F.C Halifax Town. Following the Shaymen’s promotion to the National League, he made the switch to Chesterfield but struggled to make an impact. His recent move to Alfreton reunited him with Heath, who had left the The Shay himself in January 2018.

You can follow the action from today’s game via our official Twitter feed – find us at @BPAFCOfficial! 

 

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27 Sep 2018

Altrincham FC Away Travel

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The club are looking at running a supporters coach to Altrincham FC Saturday 6th October 2018 subject to enough interest, with seats costing £13 for adults and £8 for under 16’s.

To book your seat please see Neil Fawcett at the Supporters Information Desk on match day or call him on 07811 959003

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24 Sep 2018

Alfreton Town Away Travel

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The club are running a supporters coach to Alfreton Town Saturday 29th September 2018, with seats costing £15 for adults and £10 for under 16’s.

To book your seat please see Neil Fawcett at the Supporters Information Desk on match day or call him on 07811 959003

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22 Sep 2018

Bradford advance at expense of Quakers

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Bradford (Park Avenue) advanced into the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup with a narrow win over Darlington.

Mark Bower’s side came into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats but edged past their National League North counterparts with an impressive display.

The visitors threatened from the first whistle and Ben McKenna accelerated away from left-back Ben O’Hanlon twice in the opening three minutes. Despite seeing his deliveries collected by Jonathan Maddison, it was an indication of Bradford’s willingness to drive at the Darlington backline and test the hosts in the opening exchanges.

Forward Jake Beesley was a source of frustration for Darlington defenders throughout and he came close to registering an assist after six minutes. He switched the ball to the Nicky Wroe on the right but the midfielder fired wildly over the crossbar.

18-year-old goalkeeper Jack Atkinson was introduced for his debut between the sticks and displayed maturity beyond his years. He was called into action twice in as many minutes but thwarted Liam Hughes and Stephen Thompson.

McKenna continued to experience joy against O’Hanlon and lifted a cross in for Beesley, who escaped his marker but headed over the woodwork.

The winger then had the opportunity to score from a free-kick but his low drive was held by Maddison.

Bradford were eventually rewarded for their persistence and took the lead through Danny Lowe. The defender intercepted a pass intended for Luke Trotman before unleashing a vicious strike that flew past Maddison, opening his account for the season in style.

The attacking intent of the visitors didn’t relent and Maddison was forced to beat away a diving header from Nicky Clee on the stroke of half-time.

HALF-TIME: Darlington 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Pressure eased on the Quakers after the break as they gained a grip on the game but Atkinson was unassailable in the Bradford goal. He made a particularly superb save to deny David Syers, who had struck with venom from just outside the 18-yard box.

The young goalkeeper then had to be alert to hold on to a flicked header from Syers, who had made a bright start after entering the fray as a substitute at the beginning of the second-half.

Bradford did, however, come close to doubling their lead when a neat exchange between Chris Dawson and Conor Branson opened up space for the latter to shoot. He generated power in his strike but Maddison held.

A flurry of chances for the hosts followed and Darlington duo Liam Hughes and Reece Styche missed opportunites to draw level. The former’s header was plucked out of the top corner by Atkinson and latter’s volley was held by the Bradford debutant.

Mark Ross shone on his return to the starting eleven and he made a crucial block to divert Simon Ainge’s piledriver away from danger.

As the game entered its latter stages, Darlington desperately hunted for an equaliser but found that their direct style was dealt with comfortably by the Bradford backline.

The frustration of the Quakers players soon became evident and Stephen Thompson blazed over the crossbar with a wild effort from distance.

Gibraltar international Styche then followed suit, blasting over the woodwork twice in as many minutes during stoppage time.

FULL-TIME: Darlington 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Darlington: Maddison, Trotman, O’Hanlon, Elliott, Hughes, Galbraith, Henshall (Syers 45′), Nicholson (Saunders 79′), Styche (c), Ainge, Thompson.

Unused substitutes: Glover, Burn, Lycett, Alderson, Stansfield.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Lowe, Wroe, Killock (c), Havern, McKenna (Toulson 79′), Branson, Beesley, Dawson (Spencer 69′), Clee (Johnson 62′).

Unused substitutes: Knight, Nowakowski.

Referee: Dean Hulme

 

 

 

 

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22 Sep 2018

Match Preview: Darlington vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

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The Emirates FA Cup journey begins today as Bradford make the trip to Blackwell Meadows to face Darlington.

The Quakers did the double over Mark Bower’s side last season but have made a slow start to the 2018/19 campaign. They sit 17th in the league, seven points adrift of 4th-placed Bradford, who remain in the play-off positions despite stuttering with two consecutive defeats in recent weeks.

Bradford were dealt a difficult hand in the prestigious competition last year but advanced into the next round with an impressive away win over National League North counterparts Southport. They faced Harrogate Town in last year’s third qualifying round but despite forcing a replay, were beaten and subsequently knocked out.

Darlington didn’t fare as well in the competition last year, suffering a 3-0 home defeat to South Shields in the second qualifying round.

Speaking after last week’s defeat to Altrincham, midfielder Nicky Clee stressed the importance of producing a response against the Quakers:

“It’s really important that we produce a response. We discussed how important it was before the Altrincham game and our performance was better but we didn’t get the result. Hopefully, we can get both next week (performance and result).”

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:

The Gaffer:

Tommy Wright

Darlington’s manager, alongside assistant Alan White, was presented to Quakers supporters at Blackwell Meadows ahead of the club’s league win over Bradford in October 2017. A young boss at 33, he enjoyed two spells with Darlington as a player and plied his trade in Yorkshire with Barnsley and Harrogate Town. The former striker has also played in the Premier League, entering as a substitute in Leicester City’s 2-0 defeat to Leeds United in March 2002. His management career began in 2013 with Corby Town, where he registered as a player but also took on managerial duties. Wright made the switch to Nuneaton Town as a player-coach three years later before eventually being handed the reins. He was officially appointed as Darlington manager on 20th October 2017.

One To Watch:

Stephen Thompson

The likes of Gibraltar international Reece Styche and former Bradford man Simon Ainge may grab the headlines, but Thompson is key for the Quakers. The winner of the club’s 2017/18 Player of the Year award, Thompson can operate as a striker or on either flank and his direct running makes him one for opposition defences to look out for. He joined the club in September 2012 from Durham City, having failed to make the grade at Middlesbrough and finding first-team opportunites limited at Port Vale. Thompson also had a stint with AFC Telford United and scored against his former employers a fortnight ago.

Live updates: @BPAFCOfficial on Twitter

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