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.
Pitch Update: Southport (H)
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.
Match Preview: Southport (H)
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
Pitch Inspection Planned Ahead Of Southport Visit
With heavy rain forecast through the night, there will be a precautionary pitch inspection ahead of Avenue’s home match with Southport.
Southport make the journey to the Horsfall this Saturday (26 October) and there will be a check of the playing surface at 10:30 in the morning ahead of their departure.
Please refer to the website tomorrow for a further update.
Sweeney Loan Extended
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.
Charity Of The Match – Southport: Beyond Bea
Each game we select a charity to support in association with the Horsfall Community Trust via a bucket collection. The money collected is split 50/50 between the trust and the charity, raising much needed funds to support local and national initiatives.
The chosen charity for this Saturday’s home fixture vs Southport is Beyond Bea and was nominated by Ryan Burston.
Beyond Bea is a charity based in Manchester, it was established by Steph, who is a Midwife. Steph has always had a keen interest in bereavement care since she started her midwifery training and since qualifying. In 2017, Steph’s daughter Bea was born and sadly died due to a severe brain abnormality. Combining her existing passion and her desire to create a legacy for Bea, Beyond Bea was established and now provides bereavement training throughout the UK for free. This year alone Beyond Bea will have training over 2000 students and health professionals.
Speaking about why he chose the charity, Ryan said:
“Beyond Bea offer free baby loss and bereavement training to healthcare professionals. The study days they provide help ensure people are looked after in the right way following the devastating loss of a child.
After losing my Daughter Adriana in April 2018 this charity has become one that is very close to my heart and the demand for their services is increasing, so every penny raised for them really does help.”
For charities such as this, every penny helps, so please dig deep and support this fantastic cause. You can also support them by following them online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondbeacharity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondbea1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbeacharity/
website: https://www.beyondbea.co.uk
If you would like to nominate a charity for a future fixture, then please email info@bpafc.com
West Riding County Cup Second Round Tie
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be in West Riding County Cup action on Monday 4th November.
The recent draw confirmed that the club will visit National League neighbours Harrogate Town.
The match will kick off at 7:45pm at The CNG Stadium with admission prices set at £5 for adults and £2 for under 18’s.
Match Report: Avenue U19’s 5 – 1 Eccleshill United U19’s
A ten man Avenue U19’s ran riot last night at the Horsfall Stadium, netting 5 times to secure all 3 points in the Northern Alliance Under 19 League.
A free kick in the 12th minute saw T. Ali open the scoring with a header from a well delivered free kick.
The second came just twelve minutes later as Lyons tapped in a loose ball at the back post.
Lyons then secured his brace just six minutes later, sliding in at the back post to extend the Avenue’s lead to three.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Avenue however, as H. Ali was shown a red card just moments before the half time break for lashing out after being fouled by Ab. Khan, who received a yellow for his part in the incident.
Eccleshill came out strongly in the second half, making the most of the one man advantage with a headed goal from Aw. Khan just four minutes into the half.
But despite an extended period of pressure the Avenue U19’s defended resolutely and Eccleshill were unable to break through.
Lyons then struck again in the 71st minute, counter attacking to take the ball past a rooted Eccleshill defence before calmly slotting the ball past the keeper to claim his hat trick.
Eccleshill continued to apply pressure, but a counter attack from debutante Scarowi in the 83rd minute sealed the result.
Man Of The Match: Lyons
Avenue U19’s Line Up:
Smith
Kenny
Ockerby
Mayfield
Wright
Douglas
Scott
Scarowi – 83′
Lyons (C) – 24′, 30′, 71′
T. Ali – 12′
H. Ali – Red:45′
Subs:
Haggas
Dracup
Moriarty
Warburton
Academy Kick Off 2019/20 Campaign At The Horsfall Tonight
The Bradford (Park Avenue) Academy will kick off their Northern Alliance Under 19’s campaign this evening at the Horsfall Stadium.
The side will face off against local rivals, Eccleshill United U19’s with kick off at 7:45pm.
Entry costs just £3 for adults and £1 for under 18’s.
Snacks and hot drinks will be served throughout the fixture in the clubhouse.
Come along and support the future of the Avenue as they seek to forge a career in the beautiful game.
LV Bet & The National League Announce Ticket Competition
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