Bradford (Park Avenue) will host Liversedge at Horsfall Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, looking to secure a much-needed victory in the Northern Premier League East. Danny Whitaker’s squad has had mixed results in their opening three league fixtures, and they’ll be eager to bounce back with a strong performance.
Liversedge has also had a challenging start to their campaign, opening with a 3-0 defeat to Garforth Town, followed by draws against Dunston and Bridlington Town. They will face Cleethorpes Town this Saturday before making the trip to Horsfall.
With both teams seeking momentum, this Bank Holiday clash promises to be a competitive encounter. Bradford will aim to capitalize on home advantage and take all three points as they look to climb the league table.
Bradford (Park Avenue) and Brighouse Town shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Horsfall Stadium in a match where neither side managed to fully impose themselves.
The game started with early opportunities for Avenue, with Colville’s scuffed shot and Sykes’ effort going over the bar. Brighouse had their chances too, but it wasn’t until late in the first half that they managed to take the lead, exposing some vulnerabilities in Avenue’s defence.
The second half saw Bradford (Park Avenue) push for an equalizer, and they were handed a chance to level the score with a penalty in the 55th minute.
However, Shanks was unable to convert, as his spot-kick was saved by the Brighouse keeper.
Despite this setback, Dan Francis managed to bring Avenue level just minutes later with a goal that offered some relief to the home side.
As the match wore on, both teams struggled to find the decisive goal. Bradford made a couple of substitutions in an attempt to break the deadlock, but Brighouse’s defense held firm, frustrating the home side.
Avenue’s inability to capitalize on their chances, combined with Brighouse’s resilient defending, meant that the game ended in a draw, a result that neither side will be entirely satisfied with.
The match reflected a struggle for consistency, with Avenue showing moments of promise but ultimately failing to secure the three points.
This result leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) with plenty to think about as they prepare for their next fixture.
Attendance: 385
Next Fixture:
Bradford (Park Avenue) returns to action on Bank Holiday Monday, hosting Liversedge at Horsfall Stadium. Kick-off at 3:00 PM.
Bradford (Park Avenue) is set to welcome local rivals Brighouse Town to Horsfall Stadium tomorrow night (Tuesday 20th) for an eagerly anticipated Northern Premier League East clash.
After a disappointing FA Cup exit over the weekend, Avenue will be keen to bounce back and secure three vital points in the league.
Bradford (Park Avenue) has had a mixed start to the season, and tomorrow’s match presents an opportunity to regain momentum and get back on track in their league campaign.
The team has shown glimpses of their potential, but consistency has been elusive. Head Coach Danny Whitaker will be looking for a strong response from his squad, emphasising the importance of playing with intensity from the first whistle to the last.
Brighouse Town, who have also had a challenging start to the season, will arrive at Horsfall Stadium determined to make their mark. Local derbies are always fiercely contested, and this match is likely to be no different.
With both teams looking to climb the league table, the stakes are high. Bradford (Park Avenue) will need to be at their best to secure a positive result and give the home fans something to cheer about. The support from the stands will be crucial, as Horsfall Stadium looks to become a fortress where opponents find it difficult to come away with points.
Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, 20th August 2024
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Venue: Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
Admission:
Adults: £13
Concessions: £10
Students/Blue Light/Armed Forces: £5
Youth: £3
U12s: £1
Make sure to come down and support the lads in what promises to be a thrilling encounter under the lights. Your presence and support can make all the difference as Bradford (Park Avenue) aims to claim a crucial victory against their local rivals.
Bradford (Park Avenue) were eliminated from the FA Cup in today’s Preliminary Round clash, suffering a 3-2 defeat against Stocksbridge Park Steels at Horsfall Stadium.
The visitors started strong, with Alex Hardwick finding the net in just the 5th minute after some clever play allowed him to turn and fire past Craig Ellison at the near post. Stocksbridge nearly doubled their lead in the 10th minute, but Hardwick’s effort, after a two-on-one situation, went wide.
Avenue began to grow into the game, earning a corner in the 16th minute through good work from Harry Colville and Dan Francis. Despite Bradford’s increasing pressure, including a dangerous free-kick in the 27th minute and a goalmouth scramble in the 28th that Avenue players believed had crossed the line, the equalizer remained elusive.
Just minutes later, Colville set up Dan Francis for a golden opportunity, but the latter fired over the bar, missing a crucial chance to level the score. Stocksbridge capitalized on Bradford’s missed opportunities, doubling their lead in the 41st minute when Danny Deakin backheeled the ball into the net, leaving Avenue with work to do in the second half.
Bradford came out more ambitious after the break, pushing to get back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 76th minute when headed one over the Stocksbridge keeper, reducing the deficit and reigniting the home crowd’s hopes.
However, Stocksbridge responded in stoppage time, with Joao Silva breaking through to curl the ball around Ellison, making it 3-1. Despite a late goal from Connor Shanks deep into added time to make it 3-2, it was too little, too late for Bradford (Park Avenue).
The defeat marks a disappointing exit from the FA Cup, as Stocksbridge Park Steels secured their place in the next round.
Bradford will now shift their focus back to the league, with a home fixture against Brighouse Town at Horsfall Stadium on Tuesday, 20th August, kicking off at 7:45 PM. Admission is £13 for Adults (18+), £10 Concessions (65+), £5 Students Blue Light & Armed Forces, £3 12-17s, £1 u12s, and the team will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans.
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The day is here—Bradford (Park Avenue) takes on Stocksbridge Park Steels in the FA Cup Preliminary Round! The team is ready and raring to go after a strong final training session. Let’s fill Horsfall Stadium and cheer the lads on to victory!
This Saturday, 17th August, Bradford (Park Avenue) will host Stocksbridge Park Steels in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, with kick-off at 3:00 PM at Horsfall Stadium.
Admission is pay on the gate, available by card or cash, with prices set at £9 for Adults (18+), £6 for Concessions (65+), £3 for Youth (12-17s), and U12s get in for free.
Bradford (Park Avenue) will need to be at their best to advance against a resilient Stocksbridge side. Stocksbridge has already shown their mettle this season, defeating Prestwich Heys 2-1 in the Extra Preliminary Round and staging a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Bishop Auckland in their league opener. They followed up with a solid 1-1 draw against Cleethorpes Town on Wednesday. Their ability to score from crosses will be a key threat that Bradford’s defense must neutralize.
The midfield battle will be crucial, as Stocksbridge has shown they can exploit any space given. Bradford’s defense will need to be alert, especially from wide positions, to prevent Stocksbridge from capitalizing on crossing opportunities.
Players to Watch:
Bradford (Park Avenue) – Craig Ellison: With an unsettled backline, all eyes will be on Avenue’s number 1. Ellison, who joined late last season, has been instrumental, including a standout performance in the 1-0 victory over North Ferriby.
Stocksbridge Park Steels – Alex Phillipson: An unusual top scorer from the defensive line, Phillipson has netted twice in three games. The former Leeds United youth player has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time, particularly from crosses.
This match promises to be an exciting FA Cup encounter, with both teams looking to progress to the next round. Join us at Horsfall Stadium to cheer on the team as they aim for cup glory!
Bradford (Park Avenue) suffered their first defeat of the season with a narrow 1-0 loss away at Belper Town. Despite a strong start, including an early corner in the 5th minute and a long-range effort from Oli Norman in the 12th, both comfortably dealt with by the Belper keeper, Avenue couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Belper Town’s first significant chance came in the 17th minute when Keaton August found space but missed the target. The hosts grew into the game, but the first half ended goalless despite a free kick in the 35th minute after Alex Francis fouled former Avenue player Luke Rawson.
Avenue came out stronger in the second half, creating opportunities through Kelan Swales, Paddy Sykes, and Dan Francis, but they were unable to capitalize. A crucial yellow card for Dan Francis in the 62nd minute showed Avenue’s commitment to keeping the game level.
Belper made key substitutions, including bringing off Keaton August for Nathan Whitehead in the 59th minute. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Ben Rhodes scored with a diving header, leaving Avenue chasing the game.
Late substitutions by both teams, including Theo Hudson replacing Harry Colville for Avenue, couldn’t change the outcome. Despite four minutes of added time, Avenue couldn’t find the equalizer, and the match ended 1-0.
Avenue will look to bounce back quickly as they return to Horsfall Stadium this weekend, aiming for success in the FA Cup when we host Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday 17TH August, KO 3pm. We urge all Bradford supporters to come out and back Danny’s team as they push for victory.
Bradford (Park Avenue) travels to Raygar Stadium on Tuesday night for a key NPL East fixture against Belper Town.
After securing a hard-fought 1-0 win against North Ferriby in the season opener, Danny’s team is eager to continue their winning momentum tomorrow night against the Nailers.
The ones to watch for Avenue will be Oli Norman, who assisted Kareem Hassan-Smith on Saturday to claim the win.
Goalscorer Kareem will also look to increase his tally and put out a similarly strong defensive performance to Saturday’s, which gave us our first clean sheet of the season.
Forward’s Paddy Sykes and Harry Colville will also be itching to score their first goals of the season, after both came close in the 1st half on Saturday, just dragging their shots wide.
Goalkeeper Craig Ellison will also look to continue his fine form, after a stellar performance on Saturday with 4 unreal saves in the 1st half alone.
Belper, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season, comes into the match after a comeback win in their opener. Despite some squad depth issues, they remain a formidable opponent, especially at home.
Key opposition players to watch at Belper Town will be Nathaniel Crofts and Keaton August, who both claimed goals in their opening fixture vs Heaton Stannington.
Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, 13th August 2024
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Venue: Raygar Stadium, DE56 1BA
Admission Prices:
Adults (16-60): £11
Concessions (U16s & 60+): £7
Students (with ID): £7
U11s: Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
Come and support the Green Army as we seek to make it two wins in a row!
Photo from John Rhodes. Left to Right – Craig Ellison, Kelan Swales, Luke Hogg, Kareem Hassan-Smith, Paddy Sykes (Behind), Oli Norman, Harry Colville, Ben Whelan, Alex Francis
Date: 10th August 2024 Venue: Horsfall Stadium Attendance: 335
Bradford (Park Avenue) secured a vital 1-0 victory against North Ferriby on Saturday, in our opening fixture of the 2024/25 season at Horsfall Stadium.
This hard-earned win not only marks a positive start to the campaign but also our first opening day victory since 2018. Kareem Hassan-Smith’s goal in the second half proved decisive, as we handed out no fewer than twelve debuts in this tightly contested match.
First Half:
We began the match on the front foot, with Oli Norman making an early run into the opposition area, only to see the ball run just out of play. Craig Ellison, who was outstanding throughout, made a crucial save in the 3rd minute to deny Josh Whitley and keep us level.
Photo from Connie Lea – Dan Francis in action
We created several chances in the first half, with a notable opportunity coming in the 24th minute when Kareem Hassan-Smith struck the post following an impressive run into the area. Despite our best efforts, including a penalty shout after Paddy Sykes appeared to be brought down in the box, the referee waved away any appeals. The half ended with the scoreline still goalless, but with plenty of positives to take into the break.
Second Half:
We made a change at halftime, with Josh Askew replacing Kelan Swales to bring fresh energy into the side. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Oli Norman demonstrated superb awareness to find Kareem Hassan-Smith, who finished expertly to give us the lead.
Photo from Connie Lea – Oli Norman in actionPhoto from John Rhodes – Kareem Hassan-Smith scores his first goal for the club. Photo from John Rhodes – Harry Colville, Kareem Hassan-Smith and Dan Francis celebrate the goal.
North Ferriby pushed for an equalizer, but our defense remained resolute. Craig Ellison continued to be a rock at the back, and our midfield worked tirelessly to disrupt Ferriby’s rhythm. Despite a couple of cautions for Luke Hogg and Paddy Sykes, we managed the game well and even created chances to extend our lead, with Ben Whelan heading over from a set piece late on.
The team showed great character and discipline to secure the win and maintain a clean sheet, something we hadn’t achieved on the opening day in six years.
Milestones:
This match marked our 897th in NPL football, and with three more games to go, we are approaching a significant milestone with our 900th match scheduled against Liversedge at home on 26th August.
Next Fixture:
We turn our focus to the next challenge as we travel to Belper Town on Tuesday, 13th August. Kick-off is at 7:45 PM at Raygar Stadium. We look forward to building on this positive start and continuing our momentum.
Final Thoughts:
First Team Head Coach, Danny Whitaker:
“I’m really proud of the team for their performance on Saturday. We knew it would be a tough match, and the boys delivered exactly what we asked of them. Defensively, we were solid, and Craig made some crucial saves to keep us in the game. Kareem took his goal brilliantly, and it was great to see the team work so hard for each other. There’s still plenty to improve on, but for a first outing, especially with so many debuts, it was a very encouraging performance. We’ll take the positives from this and keep pushing forward.”
Sporting Director, Thomas McStravick:
“We’re absolutely delighted with the result today and overall performance. It’s always important to start the season on a positive note, and the lads showed great determination and quality throughout the game. With so many new faces in the squad, it was encouraging to see them gel so quickly and perform as a unit. Kareem’s goal was a moment of real class and an example of how we want to play. Our defensive display was outstanding when needed. We’re excited to build on this foundation as we move forward.”
