Defender Cieron Keane and goalkeeper Steve Dickinson have joined Bradford (Park Avenue).

Former Guiseley man Dickinson rejoins Avenue as part of Mark Bower’s coaching staff once more.

Dickinson, who has also lined up for Saturday’s opponents Southport in the past, has also registered as a player, after youngster Jack Bennett was released.

Irishman Keane joins Avenue from Leamington, where he has made eight appearances this season.

The left back is a familiar face in the National League North, having previously lined up for the likes of Alfreton, Worcester, Nuneaton and more.

Meanwhile, fellow left-sider Jaheim Headley has been recalled by parent club Huddersfield.

Headley scored a memorable goal at Darlington in Avenue’s first win of the season, among a handful of decent displays for the club.

Elliott Holmes is the third player to depart this week, with the young midfielder allowed to leave to join Pickering Town.

The club would like to thank all three departing players for their efforts in an Avenue shirt, and wish them all the best for the future.

The match official for today’s game has assessed the pitch and has confirmed the game will take place.

The club would like to thank all the volunteers who have worked hard on the pitch this morning to get the game on.

The playing surface at the Horsfall Stadium has been passed fit by a local referee ahead of this afternoon’s match against Southport.

Heavy and constant rain has fallen in the Bradford area for over 24 hours, but a local official has said that in its current state the pitch is playable.

Therefore, as things stand, Avenue’s home match with Southport will go ahead this afternoon.

However, with rain continuing to fall, there will be a further inspection by the match referee on his arrival at the ground, at approximately 1:30pm.

Please keep up to date via the club’s official website and social media channels.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will look to return to home comforts on Saturday as they host Southport in the National League North.

After a winning start on his return to the club, Mark Bower’s Avenue slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Gloucester City last weekend, and will be looking to bounce back on their own turf.

A 3-2 victory over Hereford preceeded the Gloucester defeat, and Avenue have been boosted this week by the news that match-winner Dan Sweeney’s loan from Solihull has been extended by a further month.

There is expected to be further movement in the Avenue ranks ahead of the match as Bower continues to make the squad his own.

And Southport come armed with one of those Bower has seen move on, with ex-Bradford midfielder Marcus Wood now lining up for his former club once more.

Last time out for the Sandgrounders was in fact also a 3-2 home win over Hereford, as they overcame FA Cup disappointment to take three points on Tuesday night.

They have in fact won four home league matches in a row, and victory in the week saw them rise to sixth in the table, but have failed to win away from home since 13 August.

The game, which is due to kick-off at 3pm on Saturday, is subject to a precautionary pitch inspection at 10:30am with heavy rain forecast overnight, and the club will keep supporters informed of the outcome as swiftly as possible.

Recent League Form

Bradford (Park Avenue)
Glouccester City (A) L 0-1
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (A) L 0-8
Spennymoor Town (H) D 1-1
Boston United (A) L 1-2

Southport
Hereford (H) W 3-2
Brackley Town (H) W 1-0
Boston United (A) L 0-2
Blyth Spartans (H) W 2-0
York City (A) D 1-1

Admission Prices
Adult – £10
Concession (OAP, Student) – £8
Under-17 – £1

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that the loan agreement for Solihull Forward Dan Sweeney has been extended for further month.

Sweeney initially joined on a months loan but Manager Mark Bower was keen to secure his services for longer after putting in some impressive performances.

The loan extension will secure Dan’s services until at least the Leamington game on the 16th November.