Unfortunately, due to the persistent rainfall over the last 24 hours, and the forecast for this to continue, the friendly versus Campion tonight has been called off
Match Preview: Campion
The Avenue travel to Campion this evening as the preparations for the new season gathers pace
Tonight see’s Mark Bower’s fledgling squad take on another local opponent in Campion. The game is being held at their Scotchman Road ground with a 7.30pm kick off. The stadium capacity for todays game will be 150 and that will be on a first come first served basis, so get there early if you want to avoid disappointment. Campion have also announced they will be running the evePASS app for track and trace. You can download the app from this link ( https://evepass.app/ ) and pre-register your basic details to save time at the gate or do it at the ground.
After last weekends steady winning start from the squad, we look to be back at full strength with both Luca Havern and, the goal scoring Jamie Lyons, recovering in time from small knocks.
We also welcome back, for all of those who cant make it to the ground or prefer the comfort and safety of your own armchair, our very own Mick Gledhill, who will be lighting up the airwaves in his own inimical style on the BPAFC Mixlr radio station. https://mixlr.com/bpafc
Team news for tonight’s game, sees another game of two halves. Getting valuable playing time for all and also another chance for Mark and Danny to run their discerning eye over the trialists.
1st half team
1 Dan Atkinson
22 A Trialist
2 Mark Ross
5 Luca Havern
3 Matty Downing
8 Jake Hibbs
11 Nicky Clee
20 A Trialist
9 Ollie Johnson
18 Jamie Lyons
21 A Trialist
2nd half team
13 Jacob/Atkinson
6 Mitch Lund
15 A Trialist
17 Adam (£1) Nowakowski
12 Ryan Toulson
4 Isaac Marriott
14 A Trialist
19 A Trialist
7 Lewis Knight
16 A Trialist
10 Brad Dockerty
Enjoy the game whether you go in person or listen to Mick on the radio #UTA
Match Report: Silsden AFC 1-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)
Attendance: 139
In the first pre-season friendly of the 2020-21 campaign, Bradford (Park Avenue) narrowly defeated neighbours Silsden AFC at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium.The visitors took the lead just before the break when the impressive Isaac Marriott dribbled 50 yards but he was brought down inside the box, just before he was about to shoot. From the spot, Oli Johnson sent Silsden’s goalkeeper Alfie Drake the wrong way to make 1-0 at half-time.
Shortly after the restart, young Academy product Jamie Lyon doubled the Avenue’s advantage with a well-taken left footed finish from the edge of the box, following good work by a couple of Bradford trialists. Then, Danny Forrest’s side halved the deficit with a powerful header from Shaun Airey but, despite a couple of chances in the final few minutes, the National League outfit held on.
The Sils could’ve taken an early lead as winger Chris Wademan capitalised on a defensive mistake from a Trialist, but his shot flew over the bar from 12 yards.Mark Bower’s side started to gain some momentum, with Marriott and Nicky Clee looking to orchestrate opportunities from the middle of the park. Clee, with his usual great footwork, opened up space to fire an effort on goal, only for Drake to save well with his feet. Learning from former Avenue striker Forrest for the Sils, Antony Brown tried to copy what Clee had just done at the other end of the pitch, but debutant Dan Atkinson in the Bradford goal managed to catch his strike from close range.
With half-time approaching and Atkinson diving at the feet to deny Wademan the opening goal, Marriott showed his class. The new signing dribbled past a few players to find himself in a position to put his side in the lead. But, the midfielder was fouled by Lewis Morgan and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Johnson, wearing number nine, calmly slotted the ball into the corner to break the deadlock.
With a brand new team for the second half, the Avenue started brightly and following some good work by two trialists down the left wing, the ball found its way to Lyons. The striker who featured in the first team last season, curled a lovely left-footed strike past Drake from 12 yards.The home side also made changes to their starting eleven, and as the weather continued to be a challenge for both teams, the Sils scored from a corner. Defender Airey rose above his mark to nod the ball home from six yards.The hosts pushed forward to equalise and nearly snatched a dramatic draw, only to be denied by the returning Mark Ross who was alert and cleared the ball off the line to give the Avenue a narrow victory.
The next pre-season friendly for the Avenue is on Tuesday 25th August, away at Campion AFC.
#UTA
First Half Team:
Dan Atkinson, A Trialist, Mitch Lund, A Trialist, Matty Downing, A Trialist, Isaac Marriott, Nicky Clee, Lewis Knight, Ollie Johnson, Brad Dockerty
Second Half Team:
Jacob/Atkinson, A Trialist, Mark Ross, Luca Havern, Ryan Toulson, A Trialist, Adam Nowakowski, Jake Hibbs, Jamie Lyons (Danny Boshell 60), A Trialist, A Trialist
Team news for the Avenues first pre-season friendly at Silsden
Mark Bower has decided to run two teams in todays forth coming fixture against Silsden, allowing us to take a look at some possible new signings and also to get much needed work out into our already signed squad players after a long lay off.
First Half Team
1 Dan Atkinson
16 A Trialist
6 Mitch Lund
15 A Trialist
3 Matty Downing
14 A Trialist
4 Isaac Marriott
11 Nicky Clee
7 Lewis Knight
9 Ollie Johnson
10 Brad Dockerty
Second Half Team
13 Jacob/1 Atkinson
12 A Trialist
2 Mark Ross
5 Luca Havern
12 Ryan Toulson
19 A Trialist
17 Adam (£1) Nowakowski
8 Jake Hibbs
18 Jamie Lyons
21 A Trialist
20 A Trialist
Kick off is at 11.00 am and Silsden have confirmed a capacity of 150 fans which will be admitted on a first come first served basis. If you are traveling please remember to allow time for track and trace details and NOTE that our players are part of the elite sport program and as such may not be as accessible as you are used too.
Good luck lads
#UTA
Pre-Season Friendly Update
Due to injuries at Huddersfield Town they have regrettably asked us if they can postpone the fixture with them this Saturday, with a view to re-arranging the game as soon as feasible for both sides.
However we are delighted to announce that Silsden have generously stepped in at the 11th hour to give us our first taste of football for the 20/21 season. Mark Bower’s squad will travel to Silsden on Saturday the 22nd of August for a 11.00 am kick off.
We have also a game the following Tuesday, the 25th, away at Campion, kick off time to be confirmed.
#UTA
The Avenue announce first pre-season friendly of the new season
We are pleased to announce that our first pre season friendly and game on the the new 3G pitch will be at 1pm on Saturday the 22nd of August against Huddersfield Towns U19’s.
We are hoping to live stream the game so that you can watch the new squad and trialists strut their stuff on the new pitch, more details to follow.
Dressing room favourite Adam Nowakowski signs for 20/21 for just £1 a week!!
The Avenue are delighted to have signed what must be the best value for money player in any league in the country for the new season! In an act of incredible generosity and demonstration of his enjoyment of being in a Bower/Boshell dressing room, Adam offered to help the club during these testing times by signing for us for the 20/21 season for just £1 a week.
The current pandemic could effect our ability to generate income on match days through stadium attendance limits, club house revenues, reduced numbers of away fans wanting to travel, plus raffle and program income. We have been incredibly successful in attracting corporate sponsorship to the club, our incredible fans continue to be hugely generous, and this act of selflessness from one of our players is truly amazing.
Adam offers us huge benefit from a playing and dressing room impact, loved by the other players for his infectious personality and by Mark and Danny for his attitude and versatility. Able to play through the spine of the team in defence, midfield and attack, Adam’s versatility will give us options tactically, that our small squad will need during certain games and certain times during games.
Adam, can we simply say, you are gentleman and many thanks.
Mark Bower –
‘Adam’s been a really important player for us for the past two seasons playing in several positions and always having an impact in games. His versatility and personality have made him a really popular member of the squad both within the dressing room and amongst the supporters. He has gone above and beyond in committing to us next season and we are delighted that he has done so.’
Adam Nowakowski –
‘I’m pleased to have signed for Mark and Danny for another season at Bradford (Park Avenue), I enjoy the style of football that they play and they always create a great dressing room. On top of that I wanted to give something back to non-league football that has been so good towards me over the years. The pandemic means that there lots of financial unknowns this season, not just for the Avenue but all non league clubs, so I decided to offer to sign for the club on £1 per week to help support the club during this difficult period. I cant wait to get started and I know all of the squad are looking forward to seeing supports return (under safe government guidelines) following a long period without football. #GreenWhiteArmy.’
#UTA
Avenue in Nod to the past with 60’s inspired kit
Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to present to you our brand-new Home and Away kit for the 2020/21 Season!
Produced by new club kit manufacturer Macron, this season’s kit bears a striking resemblance to the kits of the swinging 60’s, with an all-white kit and green accent, a combination that won us promotion early that decade.
The away kit is an amber and black affair, the shirt mirrors the design of the home kit, this time having a black trim, with sponsors James Mae’s logo been made black to match the top, this is paired with black shorts and socks.
First team players Matty Downing and Isaac Marriott are seen here showing off the kit for us and were over the moon to get their hands on it first, commenting ‘it was well nice, great fit and quality’!
Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen –
‘We are thrilled to be showing our 2020/21 kit off, especially as we edge towards a potential start date. The Green and white is back, which has been synonymous with Bradford (Park Avenue) in recent times, and the design of both the home and away kit is outstanding.
I’d like to say as well a massive thank you to our sponsors; The James Mae Group, Regal Foods, The Yorkshire Baking Company and Highbury Homes whose support of this wonderful football club is greatly appreciated. Finally, a big thank you to Macron also, for the professionalism in getting this kit to us.’
Get your new kit exclusively on our website from Tuesday 11th August at 9am
#UTA
Details of the National League re-start dates
This week the National League sent out to us a letter stating that subject to FA ratification the new season for teams in the National League North and South would re-start on the 3rd of October with FA cup second qualifying round ties, with fans allowed, subject to government guidance. The number of fans will be determined by each individual ground is what we are lead to believe and not a simple percentage of the total maximum gate. We are currently reviewing the guidance and estimating what our safe maximum would be under these conditions. Currently we believe (and this is subject to change) that the games will require track and trace on all fans (which the new season tickets will help with) and that in all likelihood we will be all ticket at every home game, with preference being given to home season ticket holders.
The National League North and South will be made up of either 42 or 40 rounds of fixtures depending on how many teams will be in each league. If the National League North is the lower number we will refund to any one who has already purchased a season ticket the admission for the that one less game and adjust season ticket prices as soon as we know the exact number of games.
Unfortunately we have already sold out of all of our hospitality packages and our Associate Directorships. If we can secure more capacity in the future we will let you know, but be ready to move quick as Sharon’s gorgeous home cook meals are in hot demand.
The current guidance means that all pre-season friendlies will be behind closed doors, so we are preparing to live stream all of these games so that you can get your BPA fix! Details will follow.
The final league game for the 20/21 season is scheduled for the 29th of May 2021 with the play-offs to be held in June. This time scale is subject to FA approval.
As things develop in this fast moving landscape we will keep you up to date on what we know as quickly as we can.
#UTA
Urgent exciting and breaking news
The National League have confirmed the 20/21 season will start on 3rd of October with FA cup fixtures…………………….more to follow.