Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce that forward Lewis Knight has signed a new contract with the club.

The 20-year-old’s new deal will run until the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

A summer signing, the former Leeds United prodigy has made an impressive start to the season and has been crucial in Bradford’s ascent to second place in the Vanarama National League North.

He initially joined the club as a trialist, but Mark Bower moved quickly to secure his services after a string of outstanding displays during pre-season. The pacey marksman endured a lengthy wait to receive international clearance but eventually made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Stockport County in August.

Knight has been operating on the flank in recent weeks, registering several assists and helping the club move within four goals of top spot.

He had this to say after putting pen to paper on the new deal:

“I’m really happy to have signed a new contract. The past few weeks have been incredible, not only for myself but for the team. We now have to continue this fine form and make sure that we’re up near the top at the end of the season.”

Due to a number of requests the club are looking at running a supporters coach to Curzon Ashton Saturday 10th November. Seats cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s and pick up times are still to be confirmed.

To book your seat please contact Neil Fawcett on 07811 959003

Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) face York City today, who head into the fixture after suffering back-to-back defeats.

Bradford’s Yorkshire counterparts were swept aside by Spennymoor Town in midweek, just days after losing to AFC Telford United.

Mark Bower will be hoping to face a deflated York side, who trail Bradford by eight points in twelfth place. He is a well-known figure among York supporters after enjoying two loan spells at Bootham Crescent during his playing career. It will be the second consecutive game to pit the Bradford boss against one his former clubs following the visit of Darlington in midweek.

The two sides last met in January and the Citizens came out on top thanks to strikes from veteran forward Jon Parkin and winger Amari Morgan-Smith. 

Bower will be hoping for a different result today but is aware that York boss Sam Collins may ring the changes after recent defeats:

“I know they’ve tinkered with formations this season and after losing to Spennymoor they’ll probably be looking to change things.

“It’s a great one for our lads. It’s great to go to a club like York, where there should be a decent crowd in, and play with no pressure. We can go and enjoy ourselves, express ourselves, and if we play the way we’re capable of, we give ourselves a chance of getting a result.”

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:

The Gaffer:

Sam Collins

The 41-year-old was handed the reigns following a spell as caretaker manager. A former centre-back, he made over 200 appearances for Hartlepool United and also represented Huddersfield Town, Bury, Port Vale, Hull City and Swindon Town. Collins also enjoyed a spell with Bradford City as a coach, where he worked to develop the club’s young professionals. 

One To Watch:

Sean Newton

The 30-year-old is the club’s captain and is an integral part of Sam Collins’ squad. A versatile defender, he joined the club from Wrexham in 2017 following a successful loan spell. He began his career with Chester City and has represented the likes of Droylsden, AFC Telford United, Stockport County, Lincoln City and Notts County throughout his career. 

Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Mark bower will be live on Talksport 2 today from 11:15. Tune in for the latest on Bradford Park Avenue, news, team talk and much much more.

We also hope to get a recording of the interview and will get this published for those who miss the live interview.

With planned train strikes and limited parking the club are running a supporters coach to York City Saturday 3rd November. Due to popular demand a bigger coach has now been booked and only 10 seats are remaining. Seats cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s. Pick up times are 10:30 from the Horsfall Stadium and 10:45 from Cedar Court and the plan would be to drop supporters off in the town centre a 12:00 and will be leaving the town centre at 18:00.

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

Following on from this weekend’s triumph over the (formerly) undefeated league leaders Chorley FC, Bradford face off against old foes Darlington FC on Tuesday at the Horsfall Stadium.

Having first met in the FA Cup in February of 1911, Bradford and Darlington faced each other another 43 times during Avenues days in the football league. The two sides matched up as equals over that time, with 18 wins apiece and 8 draws.

Recent history however has been somewhat more one sided, with Darlington winning 4 of the last 5 games. With Avenue notching the most recent victory over Darlington in this year’s FA Cup, the Quakers are sure to be out for revenge. But with current league standings, will Bowers men leave them quaking in their boots?

Bradford (Park Avenue) will face what is likely to be their sternest test of the season this Saturday when they host table-toppers Chorley.

The league leaders have been unassailable thus far, conceding just five goals in twelve National League North games and accumulating thirty points.

However, confidence will be coursing through the veins of Mark Bower’s men after they dismantled Nuneaton Borough in their last game.

Saturday’s opponents have an Emirates FA Cup first round tie to look forward to after advancing in the competition at the expense of Barrow last week. Although a clash with Doncaster Rovers is on the horizon, the Magpies will be returning their focus to league matters as they look to maintain their unbeaten record.