Northern Premier League – East Division
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium
Attendance: 382
Kick-off: 3:00 pm
Referee: Joseph Goodwin

Bradford (Park Avenue) extended their unbeaten run to ten games (9 league) with a 1-1 draw against a strong Bishop Auckland side at Horsfall Stadium on Saturday.

Although Avenue might feel they left points on the table, it was a hard-fought game in which both teams had their moments.

Avenue started brightly, creating several good opportunities early on, including a powerful effort from Connor Shanks and some sharp movement from Jimiel Chikukwa, who linked well with Sonny Whittingham to keep the visitors on their toes. Their persistent attacking play was eventually rewarded just before half-time.

Shanks expertly found Paddy Sykes in the box, who calmly converted from close range to give Bradford (Park Avenue) a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

The second half began with Bradford continuing to apply pressure. Substitute keeper Adam Lincoln’s misstep gifted Whittingham an opportunity to extend Avenue’s lead, but the forward’s shot was off-target. Moments later, Kareem Hassan-Smith showed his attacking prowess with a surging run down the right, only for Lincoln to make a strong save and keep Bishop Auckland in the game.

Bishop Auckland, however, were not content to sit back. They fought their way into the match and, with just over 15 minutes remaining, found their equalizer. A well-delivered cross from the wing was met by John Howard, who powered a header past Jack Hall.

The goalkeeper, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, had been solid throughout and praised the Avenue backline for their commitment, with several critical blocks from Mark Beevers and Ben Blythe preventing further threats.

Despite the late equalizer, Avenue continued to push forward. Hassan-Smith came close to reclaiming the lead, but his shot veered just wide. Bishop Auckland nearly stole the game in the final moments, but Cyril Giraud’s shot sailed over, allowing Bradford to hold onto a valuable point.

Reflecting on the result, manager Craig Elliott remained positive, noting the team’s ability to create numerous chances. “We’re still developing and improving,” he commented. “We had good moments and got into some great areas. On another day, we get that second goal and win it.”

The draw leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) in sixth place, outside the play-off positions on goal difference. They now turn their focus to next weekend, with an away trip to Newton Aycliffe on Saturday, 9th November.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm at the Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, DL5 5AG.

The Green Army will be hopeful their team can continue building momentum as they look to return to the play-off spots.

Bradford (Park Avenue) Line-Up

1. Jack Hall
2. Josh Ashman
3. Dan Francis
4. Luke Hogg (C)
5. Ben Blythe
6. Mark Beevers
7. Kareem Hassan-Smith
8. Sonny Whittingham
9. Paddy Sykes
10. Connor Shanks
11. Jimiel Chikukwa
12. Ted Lavelle
13. Connor Dimaio
14. Will Calligan
15. Myles La Bastide
16. Ewan Gregson

Bishop Auckland Line-Up

1. Ryan Catterick
2. Dane Burlace
3. James Risbrough
4. Aaron Brown (C)
5. Jordan Fielding
6. Samuel Hodgson
7. John Howard
8. Joe Bartliff
9. Louis Johnson
10. Matty Tymon
11. Cyril Giraud
12. Jonny Haase
13. Adam Lincoln
14. Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth
15. Dale Milburn
16. Benji Tate

Key Events

• 39’ – Goal! Paddy Sykes puts Bradford (Park Avenue) ahead, finishing from close range.
• 45’ – Substitution Bishop Auckland: Adam Lincoln replaces Ryan Catterick.
• 63’ – Substitution Bradford (Park Avenue): Myles La Bastide replaces Jimiel Chikukwa.
• 66’ – Substitution Bradford (Park Avenue): Ted Lavelle replaces Sonny Whittingham.
• 74’ – Goal! John Howard equalizes for Bishop Auckland with a powerful header.
• 84’ – Yellow Card Ted Lavelle (Bradford (Park Avenue))
• 90’ – Substitution Bishop Auckland: Dale Milburn replaces John Howard.

This week’s edition of AVENUE brings fans an exclusive feature on Sheffield Wednesday’s loaned shot-stopper, Jack Hall! Proudly sponsored by Integra Insurance, this programme has plenty in store to bring you closer to the action, history, and heart of Bradford (Park Avenue).

As always, we have our Directors’ insights in View From the Boardroom, where Paul Armitage shares his thoughts on the club’s vision and progress, alongside Thomas McStravick in Sporting Direction, where he sheds light on our strategic initiatives for the season. For club updates, Notes from the Secretary & Operations Manager brings you essential news from Sheridann Dickerson.

AVENUE also has a visual treat this week with recent Scholars’ Photos, capturing moments from the past few weeks of youth action. Plus, our Opposition Insider brings you up to speed with a detailed analysis of today’s competitors, Bishop Auckland. From their current squad to recent performances, Today’s Oppo delves deep into the team we’ll be up against.

Our Club Historian Tim Clapham takes us on a journey back in time, recounting our very first meeting with Bishop Auckland in the 1909-10 season – a story you won’t want to miss!

With plenty more articles and features, this edition of AVENUE is packed with insights, nostalgia, and updates. Pick up your copy today, available for just £3 in the clubhouse or Academy Café, and dive into the ultimate pre-match read!

🆚 Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Bishop Auckland
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
⏰ Kick-Off: 3:00 PM

The stage is set for another action-packed afternoon at Horsfall as Bradford (Park Avenue) take on Bishop Auckland! Let’s get behind the lads and make our home ground a fortress once again.

🎟️ Admission Prices:

• Adults: £13
• Concessions: £10
• Students, Armed Forces & Blue Light Cardholders: £5
• Youths (12-17): £3
• Juniors (U12s): £1

Bring your voices, bring your passion – it’s time to cheer on the Green Army! 💚⚽

Date: Saturday, 2nd November 2024
Kickoff: 3:00 pm
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall this Saturday NPL East clash with Bishop Auckland. Sitting in fourth place, Avenue come into this fixture with momentum, having secured six wins in their last eight games and keeping five clean sheets during that period. They’re riding high after a resilient 1-0 victory away at Bridlington, a result that has helped them keep pace with the league’s frontrunners.

Current Standings and Form

Avenue sit in fourth position on 27 points, level with Stocksbridge Park Steels and just six points behind league leaders Cleethorpes Town. With only three losses in 14 games, and only one of those under new manager Craig Elliott, Avenue are demonstrating consistency, particularly defensively.

The Avenue’s recent form has been superb, with four wins and two draws in their last six games, yielding 10 goals scored and only three conceded, a record that speaks to their solid structure.

Bishop Auckland, currently 13th with 17 points from 15 games, present a mixed record, however they have registered three wins & three draws in their last six matches, putting them in fourth place in the form guide.

Bishop have shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 29 goals this season—joint second-highest with Sheffield FC in the league. Despite this, their recent form shows that they are on the up, so Avenue will need to stay sharp.

Key Players to Watch

• Dan Francis – One of Avenue’s leading scorers added another goal to his tally against Bridlington, showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal. His presence on pitch is vital to Avenue’s attacking threat, and he will be looking to exploit Bishop Auckland’s defensive frailties.
• Jack Hall – The On Loan Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper has been in commanding form, playing a crucial role in the recent clean sheet record. His confidence and shot-stopping ability will be instrumental against Bishop Auckland, who have shown they can create chances.
• Sonny Whittingham and Connor Shanks – Both players offer energy and pressing ability in the middle and final third, which could disrupt Bishop Auckland’s build-up play and create scoring opportunities for Avenue.

Opponent Overview

Bishop Auckland’s season has been one of inconsistency, and they arrive at Horsfall aiming to stabilize their form. While their defence has struggled, Bishop Auckland have shown promise in attack and will be motivated to climb the table.

Match Information

We will be holding a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day prior to kickoff. Additionally, a wreath will be laid on the pitch, paying tribute to those who bravely lost their lives in service.

Our First Team will also wear their poppy armbands as a mark of respect. Join us as we come together in gratitude and reflection for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Tickets are available at the gate, priced at £13 for Adults, £10 for Concessions, £5 for Students, Blue light and Armed Forces personnel (ID required), £3 for Youths (ages 12-16), and £1 for Juniors (under 12).

Can Bradford (Park Avenue) extend their unbeaten run and stay in the hunt for the top of the table? Join us at Horsfall this Saturday to cheer on the team and find out!

This Saturday, as Bradford (Park Avenue) take on Bishop Auckland, we will be holding a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day prior to kickoff. Additionally, a wreath will be laid on the pitch, paying tribute to those who bravely lost their lives in service.

Our First Team will also wear their poppy armbands as a mark of respect. Join us as we come together in gratitude and reflection for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

#GreenArmy #LestWeForget #RemembranceDay #BPAFC

Bridlington Town 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)
Tuesday, 29th October 2024
Northern Premier League East Division
Attendance: 384 @ Mounting Systems Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) continued their impressive form in the Northern Premier League East Division with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Bridlington Town. The win marked Avenue’s sixth in their last eight matches and fifth clean sheet, moving them to fourth place in the table.

Francis Scores the Decisive Goal

Avenue’s winner came midway through the first half, thanks to Dan Francis, who has been in fine scoring form this season, notching his sixth goal in all competitions. The visitors set the tone early, with Jimiel Chikukwa and Paddy Sykes each coming close in the opening five minutes, only to see their chances go wide.

Bridlington, hovering just above the relegation zone, showed resilience, nearly capitalizing on an opportunity when Michael Coulson’s chipped attempt was skilfully parried away by Avenue goalkeeper Jack Hall.

After narrowly missing with a bullet header that was tipped onto the crossbar, Francis finally found the breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Capitalizing on a loose ball following a corner, he tapped it in from close range, giving Avenue a well-earned lead.

Second Half Resilience

Avenue continued pressing after the break, with Connor Shanks narrowly missing the target early in the second half. However, several injuries slowed their momentum, as Captain Luke Hogg exited with a sore hamstring, and Francis, the goal-scorer, followed with a dead leg soon after.

Despite these setbacks, Avenue’s defense held strong under pressure, with Shanks and Sonny Whittingham contributing invaluable pressing up front. Although Hall faced minimal threats in the second half, Bridlington came close to leveling late on, but Kay’s header sailed over the bar with just minutes remaining.

The hosts appealed for a penalty in stoppage time following a tussle in the box, but Avenue saw out the tense final moments to secure the win, taking away what could prove to be three pivotal points.

Squads

Bridlington Town:

1. Sebastian Malkowski, 2. Derry Robson, 3. Charlie Winfield, 4. Simon Heslop (C), 5. Josh Barrett, 6. Dan Hartley, 7. Nathan Dyer, 8. Sam Kay, 9. Harvey Cribb, 10. Michael Coulson, 11. Sam Leverett
   Substitutes: 12. Pete Davidson, 14. Marshall Nock, 15. Benn Lewis, 16. Alex Markham, 17. Ethan Harrison

Bradford (Park Avenue):

1. Jack Hall, 2. Josh Ashman, 3. Dan Francis, 4. Luke Hogg (C), 5. Ben Blythe, 6. Mark Beevers, 7. Kareem Hassan-Smith, 8. Sonny Whittingham, 9. Paddy Sykes, 10. Connor Shanks, 11. Jimiel Chikukwa
   Substitutes: 12. Connor Dimaio, 14. Ted Lavelle, 15. Ewan Gregson, 16. Will Calligan, 17. Jack Normanton

Upcoming Fixture

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday, 2nd November, to host Bishop Auckland with a 3pm KO. Tickets are priced at £13 for adults, £10 for concessions, £5 for students, blue light, and armed forces (ID required), £3 for youths (12-16), and £1 for juniors (under 12).

📅 Saturday, 2nd November 2024

🏟️ Horsfall Community Stadium

📍 BD6 2NG

🕒 3:00 PM Kick-Off

Join us this Saturday as Bradford (Park Avenue) face off against Bishop Auckland! Come and show your support at the Horsfall and be part of the action as the Green Army pushes for another vital three points on home turf.

🎟️ Admission Prices:

Adults: £13

Concessions: £10

Students, Armed Forces & Blue Light Cardholders (ID Required on Turnstile): £5

Youths (12-17): £3

Juniors (U12s): £1

Get ready for a thrilling afternoon of football! 💚

The wait is over! Tonight, Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Queensgate to face Bridlington Town in a crucial fixture as we push to close the gap on the top five. Here’s everything you need to know:

Match Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 29th October
• Location: Queensgate, Bridlington, YO16 7LN
• Kick-off: 7:45 pm
• Admission: £8 Adults, £5 Concessions, U16s FREE

League Standings Update:

Bradford (Park Avenue) sit 6th in the league with 24 points, just within reach of the top five after a series of strong results. With a win tonight, Avenue could jump as high as third in the league, putting pressure on the teams above.

Bridlington Town, currently 17th, are seeking to rebound from their recent 2-0 home loss to Pontefract Collieries. With inconsistent results in recent matches, they’ll be looking to get back on track, especially in front of their home crowd.

Form Guide (Last 6 Matches):

• Bradford (Park Avenue): W W W D W D
• Bridlington Town: W L W W L L

Avenue’s form has been excellent, with a disciplined defence and effective attack securing key points in recent fixtures.

Bridlington, however, have had a mixed run, with three wins and three losses in their last six matches, making tonight’s game a great opportunity for Avenue to capitalize.

Players to Watch:

• Bradford (Park Avenue): Keep an eye on top performers like Paddy Sykes and Connor Shanks, who have been in goal-scoring form, while Ben Blythe, Mark Beevers and Josh Ashman has been solid in defence. Jack Hall in goal and on loan from Sheffield Wednesday is also one to look out for, keeping 3 clean sheets in his opening 6 matches.
• Bridlington Town: Danny Earl is Bridlington’s top scorer, with four goals this season, and will be their main threat. Michael Coulson and Sam Leverett add experience and attacking support.

Preview:

Craig Elliott’s side are heading into tonight’s match with confidence and a clear objective to secure another three points. Avenue will look to control the game early, applying pressure on Bridlington’s defence, which has shown vulnerabilities in recent games. With a week’s rest and momentum on our side, it’s time to show up, Green Army, and cheer the lads on to victory!

Let’s bring it home! 🟢⚪

Bradford (Park Avenue) are set to resume their campaign next Tuesday, 29th October, with an away trip to face Bridlington Town at Queensgate. Here’s what to expect from the upcoming match:

Match Details:

• Location: Queensgate, Bridlington, YO16 7LN
• Kick-off: 7:45 pm
• Admission Prices: £8 Adults, £5 Concessions, U16s FREE

Current Standings:

Bradford (Park Avenue) are currently positioned 5th in the league, just below the top four and striving to close the gap with Stocksbridge Park Steels and Belper Town. 

With a recent run of consistent form, Avenue have secured valuable points in the last few fixtures, most recently on Tuesday night with a 0-0 draw vs league leaders Emley, and Saturday’s 3-1 win on the road vs Consett. This puts them well within reach of the top spots, and another win could significantly boost their push for promotion.

Meanwhile, Bridlington Town find themselves in 16th place, struggling to maintain consistency. 

They have managed three wins in their last six games, with victories over Sheffield, Garforth and Dunston. However, most recently they fell to a 3-2 defeat to 2nd place Cleethorpes Town.

Key Players to Watch:

• Bradford (Park Avenue): In recent weeks, Paddy Sykes, Connor Shanks and Dan Francis have been in goal-scoring form, while the backline has seen some standout performances led by Ben Blythe, Mark Beevers and Josh Ashman.
• Bridlington Town: The main threat will come from top scorer Danny Earl, who has netted four goals this season. Michael Coulson and Sam Leverett have also contributed to the attack and will be key players in Bridlington’s efforts.

Preview:

Craig Elliott’s side will look to capitalise on Bridlington’s inconsistent form, aiming to dominate possession and create chances early on. Maintaining the defensive solidity seen in recent matches will be crucial, as will taking advantage of set pieces and any lapses in Bridlington’s backline. With the recent momentum and a weekend of rest, Bradford (Park Avenue) should enter the game with plenty of confidence, seeking to secure all three points and continue their ascent up the league table.