Bradford (Park Avenue) remain bottom of the National League North after a 2-0 defeat at home to York City.
Goals at either side of the half from Kieran Green and Jordan Burrows gifted York their first win this month after previously going three games without a win.
It was a very lively start to the game, and despite York controlling the majority of the possession for most periods, chances came and went for either team. Alex Hurst came antagonisingly close to breaking the deadlock for the Avenue in the first real big chance of the game but his left-footed effort from just inside the York box rolled wide of the post with York keeper Pete Jameson looking beaten.
Almost instantly after that Avenue chance, York had a huge one of their own when Kieran Green raced clear on the right-hand side in the Avenue half, his low cross into the box then just narrowly evaded the incoming striker, Jordan Burrows, to keep the scores at 0-0, although both sides really should have gone ahead within that two minute period.
Afterwards, there were small chances for both teams, Tom Clare shot over from around 25 yards out on a half volley but it was York City who struck with the all-important first goal of the game; sloppy play from the Avenue resulted in Nicholson having to make a decent save from a York header, but the rebound from the save fell to Kieran Green and the York man made no mistake in slotting the ball home to give the visitors the lead.
From then on, Avenue’s confidence seemed wounded and York began to take more and more control of the game with the away side putting the Avenue defence under an increasing amount of pressure, with the biggest chance coming from Kieran Green who’s header from McLaughlin’s free kick struck off the post, but their efforts into building onto their lead were unsuccessful heading into half time.
When the sides returned from half time, it didn’t take long for York to strike the deadly blow, which came in the form of a 2nd goal for the visitors courtesy of captain Burrows. The York striker gave York complete control, heading the ball into the net after some brilliant work on the right hand side of the Avenue area from Kallum Griffiths.
The second goal for York seemed to awaken the Avenue side for a brief spell, and they came so close to getting themselves back into the game but Tom Clare couldn’t connect onto a wonderful ball that was sent in from Alex Hurst.
From then on, the sting seemed to be taken out of the game with not much created – York happy to let Avenue see more of the ball, but remaining resolute at the back to ensure that they wouldn’t concede.
The game continued but Avenue looked out of answers, and on a dull afternoon in West Yorkshire, it was another dull result for an Avenue side who need to start picking up points very soon to have a chance of avoiding the drop.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Nicholson, Toulson (Bazeley 74), Staunton, Lowe (c), Priestley, Royle, Knight, Hurst, Clare, O.Johnson (Marriott 58), Clee (Hughes 74)
Subs not used: Green, Lyons
Booked: Bazeley (89)
York City: Jameson, Griffiths, Ferguson, Newton, Tait, McLaughlin, Langstaff (Durrell 76), Moke, Burrow (c), Green (Bond 86), Kempster (King 86)
Subs not used: Maguire, Whitley
Goals: Green (26), Burrow (51)
Booked: Ferguson (89)
Referee: Simeon Lucas
Attendance: 1,127
