Following the clubs decision to appeal Matt Hill’s sending off against FC United of Manchester on Saturday 24th March, the club are happy to announce the appeal has been successful and his automatic suspension has been rescinded.
Bradford Park Avenue Vs Stockport County: Friday 30th March 2018 15.00 KO
A reminder to all fans that this game is strictly all ticket. Ticket prices for the match are fixed at the regular £10 adults, £7 concessions, £5 students and £2 under-18s. Season Ticket holders will gain entry to the match as usual, without the need to purchase or collect a ticket prior to the match.
With full segregation in place, Avenue fans will only be able to enter the ground on the day of the match via the Cemetery Road turnstiles. There will be no access to the Park Road car park for home fans, as that is where visiting Stockport supporters will be directed to.
A separate burger van and additional portable toilets will be located at the Park Road end of the ground, where away fans will be housed. However there will be no beer tent and no alcohol will be sold at the away end of the ground on the day.
Home supporters will, as usual, have access to the clubhouse and in-house cafe, and will be able to view the match from the main stand, one half of the pavilion side, and the stand behind the goal.
Fans are, however, asked to arrive at the ground early to avoid queues, and take up their position in plenty of time with seating especially limited.
Match Report: Bradford Park Avenue 2-1 AFC Telford United
A spirited Avenue comeback reinvigorated their fading play-off hopes as they overcame AFC Telford United at the Horsfall Stadium.
Mark Bower made four changes from the side that suffered a crushing defeat to FC United of Manchester on Saturday, with experienced midfield duo Danny Boshell and Nicky Clee returning alongside Steven Drench and Gianluca Havern. Matt Hill and Oli Johnson both featured despite their dismissals in the previous game.
The best of the early opportunities fell to the home side, with Nicky Wroe and Shane Killock seeing close-range efforts blocked and frantically hacked away after the pair pounced on a deflected free-kick delivery.
The Bucks very nearly self-destructed shortly after as a weak header back to the goalkeeper from Dominic Smith allowed Wroe to intercept. Luckily for the visitors, a heavy touch allowed Ben Wilson to collect.
The visitors did, however, grow in confidence as the game progressed and very nearly opened the scoring through defender Shane Sutton. Telford’s skipper powered a header towards goal after meeting a corner delivery only for Drench to make a terrific stop to deny him at point blank range.
Avenue then came close to breaking the deadlock with a header as Danny Boshell made a late run into the box and rattled the crossbar with his effort.
Controversy was the last thing Avenue will have wanted following the dubious nature of Saturday’s red cards, but it came nonetheless as Killock brought down Kane Richards and the referee pointed to the spot. The official was crowded in the aftermath of the decision with players convinced it took place outside of the box but a spot-kick was awarded. Marcus Dinanga stepped up and coolly slotted home to fire the Bucks ahead.
HALF-TIME: Bradford Park Avenue 0-1 AFC Telford United
An injury forced Danny Boshell to be withdrawn at the interval, with on-loan Guiseley forward Frank Mulhern entering the fray in his place.
It proved to be an inspired switch, as the loanee netted his first goal in Avenue colours with a flicked header past Wilson to draw level.
Telford then had a golden opportunity to regain their lead after Elliot Newby’s effort was palmed into the path of Dinanga, who blazed over from six yards despite demonstrating composure with his earlier finish.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between as the final whistle approached, with a John Marsden strike that trickled into the Drench’s clutches being the most notable incident in a lull in entertainment and quality.
That was until Mulhern edged Avenue ahead with three minutes left on the clock, rising to meet an in-swinging delivery from Hill and glancing a header across Wilson and into the back of the net.
FULL-TIME: Bradford Park Avenue 2-1 AFC Telford United
Bradford Park Avenue: Drench, Ross, Hill, Wroe (c), Killock, Havern, Brooksby, Boshell (Mulhern 45’), Vidal, Johnson, Clee (Smith 36’, replaced by Spencer 80’).
Unused substitutes: Toulson, Hall.
AFC Telford United: Wilson, White (Murphy 89’), Harris, Smith, Sutton (c), Deeney, Lussey (Giles 80’), Cowans, Richards (Marsden 74’), Dinanga, Newby.
Attendance: 334
Referee: Dean Watson
Unused substitutes: Johnson, Singh.
Gaffers Review: FC United Of Manchester Vs Bradford Park Avenue Saturday 24th March
Writing these notes prior to the Telford game, I hope we come in to today’s game on the back of a positive result after the shambolic afternoon we endured at FC United last week. I felt we started the game looking like a team that had only played once in the previous four weeks, but once we got going, I felt we had started to create chances and we were growing in to the game. Then two decisions from the referee to send off Matt Hill and Oli Johnson completely changed the game and from that point forward we had no chance of getting a result. The fact that we have appealed both red cards and expect to have them both rescinded, tells you all you need to know about our opinion of the decisions.
I not only felt sorry for our fans in particular, but everyone who paid to watch the game, which became a complete non event once we were down to 9 men. The support the players received from our fans in the second half was fantastic and much appreciated by everyone in the dressing room and I hope we can repay that support with some good performances and results between now and the end of the season.
Cheers
Mark
Match Report: FC United Of Manchester 4-0 Bradford Park Avenue
Two dubious red card decisions paved the way for FC United of Manchester to comprehensively defeat Bradford Park Avenue at Broadhurst Park.
Mark Bower shuffled the pack once again, making three changes to the side that were held by Alfreton Town a fortnight ago. Nicky Clee dropped out of the squad altogether, whilst Gianluca Havern and Danny Boshell settled for a place on the bench. Shane Killock replaced Havern in the heart of defence, Jamie Spencer returned to the midfield and Wayne Brooksby regained his spot on the right flank after overcoming his injury troubles.
The first-half certainly lived up to the pre-match expectations, as the boisterous supporters from both sides were treated to a thoroughly entertaining, end-to-end encounter.
The attacking intent of both sides was evident, with both the hosts and visitors showing little hesitation in piling bodies forward.
The hosts looked to test Ed Hall early on, but the young stopper demonstrated why Mark Bower has placed faith in him with a series of saves.
Jamie Spencer almost broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion, but his long-range piledriver was tipped over the crossbar by Lloyd Allinson.
Former Avenue cult hero Tom Greaves then came close to opening the scoring for the hosts, sliding and failing to capitalise on a Craig Lindfield cross that evaded him by mere inches.
Chaos then ensued in the closing minutes of the first-half as Matt Hill received his marching orders to the shock of the ground, after seemingly making a strong-but-fair challenge.
The resulting free-kick was rifled into the top corner by Jeff King, stunning Avenue and their supporters.
Moments later, the shock turned to fury as Oli Johnson was dismissed in as equally bizarre fashion for a foul that didn’t seem deserving of the punishment it received.
Avenue struggled to remain in contention after the break and were dealt a further blow in the shape of an injury to Adam Boyes, who joined Rob Atkinson in the treatment room after the defender’s earlier withdrawal.
The hosts doubled their advantage with another King free-kick, with a deflection helping it on its way as Hall was rendered helpless.
With Avenue camped in their own half, substitute Gerard Garner hammered home from close-range after the ball broke loose in the box to extend FC United’s lead.
A Shane Killock handball presented the hosts with another opportunity to find the back of the net and King converted from twelve yards with an audacious chip down the middle.
Avenue supporters remained loud and passionate, but their side faced an uphill battle to regain a foothold in the game and predictably failed to do so.
The game finished 4-0, with Mark Bower sympathetic towards the travelling supporters at the final whistle after two red cards marred the encounter.
FC United of Manchester: Allinson, Senior, Higham, Kay, Hughes, Fagbola, Crawford (Garner 65’), Irwin, Greaves, King (McCarthy 79’), Lindfield (c) (Glynn 36’).
Unused substitutes: Racchi, Tattum.
Bradford Park Avenue: Hall, Ross, Hill, Wroe (c), Atkinson (Toulson 26’), Killock, Brooksby, Vidal, Boyes (Mulhern 45’), Johnson, Spencer (Boshell 55’).
Unused substitutes: Havern, Smith.
Referee: David Underwood
Game Rearranged: Bradford Park Avenue Vs AFC Telford
Following Saturday’s postponed game against AFC Telford due to a frozen pitch. Both clubs have agreed for the game to be rearranged for Monday 26th March 2018 with 19:45 kick off.
Home Supporters who have yet to purchase a ticket for the upcoming Stockport County game will be able to do so from the Supporters Information Desk in the clubhouse.
Due to this rearranged fixture the scheduled academy game at the Horsfall Stadium against Ossett Albion has been postponed. A new date for the fixture has yet to be agreed.
Stockport Ticket Sales – Update
For any home supporters needing to purchase a ticket for the upcoming Stockport game on Friday 30th March 2018, the clubhouse will be open on the follow dates:
Wednesday 21st March 13:00-20:00
Monday 26th March 14:00 – 22:00 (AFC Telford Game)
Usual match day prices apply and season ticket holders will not need to purchase a ticket.
Game Off: Bradford Park Avenue Vs AFC Telford
Due to snow fall overnight today’s game against AFC Telford has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Once a new date is arranged it will be published on the website and social media.
Bradford Park Avenue vs. AFC Telford United – Match Preview Sat 17th March 15.00 KO
Bradford Park Avenue vs. AFC Telford United – Match Preview Sat 17th March 15.00 KO
Avenue will be looking to bring an end to a winless run that stretched to five games after last week’s draw with Alfreton Town. Mark Bower, however, will be optimistic after describing the draw with the Reds as the least that his side deserved.
AFC Telford find themselves in the midst of an even sticker patch, after Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Southport meant that The Bucks have picked up just two wins from their last twelve league outings.
Rob Edwards’ are currently languishing in the relegation zone, level on points with 21st-placed Gainsborough Trinity but 21 points clear of rock-bottom North Ferriby United.
GUIDE TO OUR OPPONENTS:
The Gaffer:
Rob Edwards
Shropshire-born Edwards is currently cutting his teeth in full-time senior management with the Bucks after a spell in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ under-18 side and a brief stint as interim manager of the first-team. He hung up his boots aged 30 after a successful career earnt the centre-back 15 caps for the Wales national team. He began his career with Aston Villa before making the switch to Molineux in 2004 after loan spells with Crystal Palace and Derby County. The former defender spent four years with Wolves before signing for Blackpool where he tasted Premier League football following the Tangerines’ promotion in 2010. Edwards was part of a promotion-winning side the following season, helping Norwich City reach the promised land after joining on loan in March 2011. Barnsley swooped to sign Edwards following his release from Bloomfield Road, but he found first-team opportunities limited and spent time on loan at Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town in 2013 before retiring.
Key Players:
Ellis Deeney
The brother of Watford striker Troy joined the Bucks in January, making the switch from league rivals Tamworth. The combative midfielder has already faced Avenue on two occasions this season after starring in Tamworth’s 4-3 win at the Horsfall Stadium in December and featuring in the Lambs’ defeat to Mark Bower’s side on the opening day of the season. He boasts vast experience of the division thanks to his time as captain of Worcester City, who he joined following spells with Kettering Town and Hinckley. Deeney, who can also operate in defence, captained Aston Villa’s under-18s before dropping into non-league football.
Amari Morgan-Smith
Tricky winger Amari Morgan-Smith joined the Bucks in February after spending the first half of the season with York City. In one of his final appearances for the Minstermen, he doubled York’s lead against Avenue during our defeat at Bootham Crescent back in January. A product of Crewe Alexandra’s academy, he established himself as a promising talent at Ilkeston Town and helped them achieve promotion to the Conference North in 2009. He trained with Championship side Derby County during his time with Ilkeston as a reward for a string of impressive displays and eventually left the club in 2010 to join Luton Town. He continued to impress at Kenilworth Road, earning a trial with Doncaster Rovers in 2012 despite concerns over his fitness that led to his departure from the Hatters. Morgan-Smith continued to establish himself as one of the most exciting talents in non-league football and represented Macclesfield Town and Kidderminster Harrier before sealing a move to League One after agreeing a deal with Oldham Athletic. He returned to the National League with Cheltenham Town in 2015 and helped them earn promotion to League Two but returned to non-league football when he joined York on loan in January 2017. He featured in the Minstermen’s FA Trophy final victory over his former club Macclesfield and signed a permanent deal with the club in June 2017.
The action will kick-off at 3pm on Saturday but will only go ahead if the Horsfall pitch passes a pitch inspection that has been scheduled for 9:30am.
Admission prices:
Adults – £10
Concessions – £7
Students – £5
Under-18s – £2
Pitch Inspection: Bradford Park Avenue Vs AFC Telford Saturday 17th March
Due to the adverse weather conditions. There will be a pitch inspection at 09.30am at the Horsfall Stadium in the morning
We will keep you updated here: & our social media.