23 Jan 2020

Hurst To Remain At The Avenue

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The club are delighted to announce that the loan agreement with Port Vale for winger Alex Hurst has been extended until the end of the season.

Hurst signed for the Avenue in October 2018 and quickly became a fan favourite. Following some strong performances on the pitch he caught the attention of Port Vale who invited him to train with them in the 2019/20 pre-season. Hurst did enough to impress and the Valiant’s made the club an offer we couldn’t refuse to secure his services, however as part of the agreement Hurst would be loaned back to the Avenue until at least January.

The club can also confirm that Lewis Rathbone has left the club and Isaac Marriot has returned to parent club Huddersfield Town both by mutual consent.

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23 Jan 2020

MATCH PREVIEW: Altrincham vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to the road this weekend as they travel to Greater Manchester to take on Altrincham at Moss Lane.

After a very tough season, Avenue find themselves bottom of the table with only three wins on the season. However, one of those wins was against Altrincham just over a month ago in which Bradford ran out 2-0 winners over the Robins in what was an excellent performance. Goals from Tom Clare on his debut and Oli Johnson late on secured the three points for the Green Army and they will be hoping for a repeat of that this weekend.

Altrincham, meanwhile, are on a good run of form. Despite losing their last game away at Gateshead, their previous loss before that was against Avenue back on the 7th of December. Following that, they went on a seven game unbeaten league run, winning six. They sit tenth in the league table, albeit with a number of games in hand on the teams above, so their fate is in their own hands as we reach the last couple of months of the season.

For Avenue, it was another case of what-if last weekend against Brackley. In an evenly contested game at the Horsfall Stadium, it was unfortunately the away side who showed their quality when it mattered most, edging out a 2-1 win and sending Avenue further to the bottom of the table.

Manager Mark Bower has admitted that escaping relegation this season will be tough, and that it is irrelevant to focus on what other teams are doing, stating that “we’re just focusing on each match one-by-one”.

Focus will be paramount this weekend against one of the league’s inform sides, and three points are necessary if Avenue are to have any hopes of avoiding the drop this season.

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18 Jan 2020

Match Report: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-2 Brackley Town

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Brackley continued their promotion push with a 2-1 victory away at Bradford (Park Avenue) in a game which confines Avenue further to the bottom of the table. 

It wasn’t the best of games to watch. It was a cagey opening with Avenue dominating most of the possession in the first half. Chances were at a premium, though, with neither side being able to muster up anything too concrete. 

The best chances of the half fell to Hall and Armson, but neither were able to put their side into the ascendency.  

After a period of Avenue domination at the start, Brackley soon found themselves getting more and more into the game and they were rewarded by taking the lead just before half time. It was a sloppy goal to concede from an Avenue point of view but Ndlovu wouldn’t have cared, back heeling the ball into the net for his 11th goal in 9 games. 

The second half was much like the first, very cagey with not much to split the two teams. Brackley, though, managed to kill the game with a 2nd goal through Armson. Tom Clare managed to grab a consolation for Avenue late on, but it was too little too late for the hosts as Brackley managed to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 games. 

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16 Jan 2020

MATCH PREVIEW: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Brackley Town

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After coming away with a point at Hereford, Avenue manager Mark Bower was left stunned at the fact that his side weren’t able to leave the Midlands with all three points, largely down to a brilliant goalkeeping performance from Will Henry and Bower will be hoping for better luck for his team this time around. 

However, the fixture this weekend may bring back a few memories that Avenue fans want to forget as Bradford welcome 4th placed Brackley Town to the Horsfall Stadium, the same team that they were thumped by 8-0 in September.  

Fortunes haven’t changed much for either side as on one side of the table, Brackley are trying to continue their incredible run of form – undefeated in their previous 10 league games – to try and push on for automatic promotion, or at the very least, secure themselves a playoff spot. Bradford, on the other hand, are struggling for points and after a run of form which saw them lose five straight league games, find themselves deeply rooted to the bottom of the table and are desperate to claw themselves out. 

It’s fair to argue that Bradford should be in a much better position that they do find themselves in right now, though. Since the return of Mark Bower as manager, performances for the Avenue have steadily improved, and they will feel hard done by to have only returned with just one point in their previous three games, games in which Avenue were, for most part, the better side. 

Brackley enter the game as the league’s inform team. They are undefeated in their previous 10 league games, winning 6 and drawing 4, and will be eager to continue positively in their quest for promotion to the National League.  

It all makes for what should be an intriguing team as one side, Bradford will be hungry for revenge to try drown away the early season memory and help their cause for safety, while Brackley will be looking to inflict more woe on an Avenue side, who at this point, have no room to slip. 

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15 Jan 2020

Away Travel – Altrincham FC

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The club are running a subsidised supporters coach to the upcoming Altrincham FC game on Saturday 25th January, with seats costing £5 for both Adults and Under 16’s.

Pick up time will be 11:30 from The Horsfall Stadium and 11:45 from Cedar Court Hotel.

Seats are selling fast with only 17 seats remaining, so if you would like to reserve a seat please contact Neil Fawcett on 07811959003

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12 Jan 2020

Match Report: Hereford 1 – 1 Bradford

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Avenue returned from Edgar Street with a single bitter-sweet point yesterday following a superb performance that was only thwarted by some superb goal keeping.

The game didn’t start out as well as it was set to go on however, as Pope’s deflected shot from outside the box trickled in beyond the reach of a stranded Joe Green, Hereford taking the lead inside of 5 minutes.

Not long after Johnson had a chance to level the scores as he was played through by Adam Nowakowski, but it wasn’t to be as his resulting shot went wide.

Green was then called into action to save an Alex Bray effort after the Bradford defence failed to close the midfielder down.

Hereford’s early lead was quickly put to an end on 19 minutes. It was Avenue captain Nicky Clee who stepped up and scored his second goal in as many games, reading a loose ball in the box to smash in a half volley.

Having gotten a taste for goal, Clee received the ball inside his own half and, spotting the Hereford stopper off his line, took a shot from 50 yards that only missed by a fine margin.

Half Time: Hereford 1 – 1 Bradford

Having dominated possession and play in the first half, Avenue came out to find Hereford’s resolve had strengthened. Assisted by a strong wind the Bulls would have the better of chances in the early part of the second half.

Sodiende used his superior pace to break through the Bradford back line, going one on one with an on rushing Green, but his chipped shot was too high. Just clearing the bar to the shock of the Hereford supporters who had already cheered in unfounded celebration.

The Hereford number 10 had his best chance to find the net as the Bulls won a penalty following a miss kicked clearance from Lund. Sodiende latched onto the loose ball and drove forward into the box to be brought down by a last ditch tackle from Priestley, who received a yellow for his efforts.

Again, the Hereford supporters were ready to cheer, but it turned to groans as Sodiende’s effort hit the bar, and despite coming back across the face of the goal, it went out for a goal kick much to the relief of the travelling green army.

A 70th minute substitution saw Lewis Knight inject some much needed pace to the Avenue side, and he quickly had an impact, setting up Oli Johnson with a low cross, but Will Henry saved the shot before turning away a curled effort from Lund.

Bradford continued to apply pressure as Knight received the ball in his own half, racing past a stranded Hereford defence to produce an unbelievable save from man of the match, Henry.

Full Time: Hereford 1 – 1 Bradford

Attendance: 1586

Teams:

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11 Jan 2020

Pre-Match Interview: Nicky Clee

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We were joined by Avenue veteran, Nicky Clee on route to face Hereford.

Read on to hear what he thinks of today’s fixture.

Name: Nicky Clee.

Age: 36.

Position: Utility, I can play anywhere. I prefer midfield, but I’ll play where ever I’m needed.

Preferred Kit: Green and White.

How do you think we’ll do today?

We just need to keep doing the things we’ve done well and cut out the silly mistakes that have cost us and I don’t see why we can’t get something from today.

Score Prediction: Hereford 1-2 Bradford.

Message to supporters:

Keep backing us the way you are doing. I know it’s been a tough season so far but I think the last few weeks have shown we’re heading in the right direction and we can match any team on the day.

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10 Jan 2020

STAT PACK | National League North Matchday 26 by Official Betting Partner LV BET

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The National League’s official betting partner, LV BET take a look at the pick of the fixtures on Matchday 26 in the National League North:

York City v AFC Telford

  • York City will close the gap on inactive leaders King’s Lynn to one point with victory at Bootham Crescent.
  • Telford are better away than they are at home and have lost just four times on the road.
  • Jordan Burrow has already scored three goals in 2020. He has 12 this season as is York’s top scorer.
  • The Bucks haven’t conceded more than one goal in a game for five matches. A narrow defeat to Brackley last time out was their first loss in that run.

Altrincham v Guiseley

  • Altrincham have won five matches in a row and have lost just one game in their last ten.
  • Guiseley have taken nine points from a possible 12 after doing the double over Farsley and also beating title-chasing York City.
  • Altrincham haven’t lost at home since the opening day – and have failed to win just twice at Moss Lane since then.
  • The teams drew 1-1 back in October but are now separated by just one point.

Hereford v Bradford PA

  • Hereford have won just once since the first week of October – a run of 15 matches.
  • Bradford have lost nine of ten and have let in 67 goals already – and they have only scored 16, less than anyone else.
  • Hereford have lost only twice at Edgar Street but have only tasted victory four times in total.
  • Avenue ran out 3-2 winners in this fixture back in October at the Horsfall Stadium.

Blyth Spartans v Curzon Ashton

  • Blyth Spartans sit in 21st while Curzon are just outside the drop zone – one place higher.
  • Blyth have only won two of their last ten home games and have taken one point from their last 12 available in front of their own fans.
  • Curzon’s point at Boston United on Tuesday was just the second time they have avoided defeat in six games.
  • Blyth won the fixture at the Tameside Stadium 1-0 in October thanks to Hanani Amantchi’s match-winning goal.

Top Picks from LV BET

9/5 Over 3.5 goals in York v AFC Telford. (check LV BET Sportsbook)

8/7 Altrincham to get a sixth win in a row by beating Guiseley.

1/2 Goals in both halves of Hereford v Bradford PA.

13/1 Blyth v Curzon to end goalless. (check LV BET Sportsbook)

New LVBet customers will get a £5 sportsbook welcome bet when they sign up. Claim the welcome offer here! (T&Cs apply) 

18+ begambleaware.org 

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10 Jan 2020

Vanarama National League North – December Awards

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VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Paul Holleran (Leamington)

Paul Holleran (second left) always tells it as it is. Even when things couldn’t be much better, the wily Brakes boss’ feet are chained to the ground.
But even he would have raised a glass as the New Year arrived.
Shrewd Holleran took his team to four fantastic wins last month – including one very special result.

Some fans say the 5-0 win at AFC Telford in the FA Trophy, semi-finalists last year remember, was the finest performance under his 11-year stewardship.

There were of course National League North wins to savour as well.
Hereford, Gloucester City and Darlington were all brushed aside as fearless Leamington edged towards the top half of the table.

One of the game’s longest serving managers has now seen one of the stars of the December show get his shot at the EFL with Forest Green Rovers.
Josh Marsh won’t be easy to replace of course but Holleran has a habit of unearthing special talent and helping them on their way.

Everyone is watching closely to see what happens next.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Lee Ndlovu (Brackley Town)

December for part-time players is never easy, with a weighty schedule and even heavier pitches.

Lee Ndlovu made it look anything but demanding after enjoying a wonderful month for promotion-chasing Brackley.

A goal in all four December matches, which followed excellent November form, means he is now a watched man.

While most of the league’s focus has been on King’s Lynn’s scoring sensation Adam Marriott, Ndlovu has crept up the scoring charts with 14 to his name.

The 25-year-old hasn’t just been in good form in front of goal.
Manager Kevin Wilkin praised his all-round contribution, which has helped Brackley to wins over Guiseley, Curzon Ashton and Kidderminster Harriers.

Every promotion-winning side needs a goalscorer and they certainly have one of those.

Is it the Saints year after a number of near misses?

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Steve Mott (AFC Telford United)

Steve Mott has won Volunteer of the Month for AFC Telford United in the National League North.

When it comes to recognising those who go unrecognised, Steve Mott certainly fits perfectly into that category.

Although he was one of the original trustees of the Club when it reformed, Steve’s most visible contribution is in his role as Bobby Buck, the matchday mascot.

Steve dons Bobby’s costume at as many home games as his work patterns allow, but as well as matchday duties he also becomes Bobby for events in the community, representing the Bucks at open days, carnivals and fetes as well as the Club’s annual visit to the local Princess Royal Hospital children’s ward.

Although the players and management are very welcome visitors, it is Bobby who usually brings the biggest smiles and is the one that the children want to have their photograph taken with.

Steve’s cheerful disposition makes him the ideal man to take the Club’s message out into the community, something he has done for a good many years now, and his long service in the role makes him a worthy winner.

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9 Jan 2020

MATCH PREVIEW: Hereford vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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The Avenue make the long trip to Herefordshire this Saturday as they look to pick up a vital three points away at Hereford.

Avenue, currently residing at the bottom of the table, need to start picking up wins very quickly and very consistently if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop from the National League North this season. It has been a frustrating few weeks for Bradford, who have been able to put together a string of impressive performances, especially in their last two games against York City and Boston United, but unfortunately have come away with nothing to show for it.

Hereford, meanwhile, enter the game on just as bad a run of form, if not worse, with just one win in their last 13 league games, which came against Kidderminster two weeks ago. The home side currently sit in 16th place in the league table after having a decent start to the season, but they have spent the last couple of months slipping and sliding down the table.

In the reverse fixture, which took place at the Horsfall Stadium in October, the Avenue ran out 3-2 victors which should give Bradford plenty of confidence heading into the game this weekend, with goals from Adam Nowakowski, Lewis Knight, and Dan Sweeney sealing the three points for the Avenue in which was a very entertaining and back-and-forth affair.

With the Avenue desperate to pick up points to avoid the drop, being 12 points behind 20th placed Curzon Ashton at the moment, and Hereford determined to put a halt to their slide down the table, it makes for a very interesting game between two sides who don’t just want, but need three points.

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