The club can confirm that Ryan Cresswell has left the club by mutual consent.
The club would like to thank Ryan for his efforts in an Avenue shirt, and wish him all the best for the future.
Bucket Collection Update: Southport
Our home match against Hereford was a successful day on the pitch as well as off it, with the launch of Bradford (Park Avenue)’s new charitable campaign in association with the Horsfall Trust.
The campaign features a nominated charity every home game and aims to raise funds as well as awareness of the charity. The chosen charity for last Saturday’s fixture against Southport is Beyond Bea and was nominated by Ryan Burston.
At the game we ran a bucket collection and we are pleased to announce that we received £42.38 in donations. The donations will be equally split between the Horsfall Community Trust and Beyond Bea.
We would like to thank supporters for their generosity and especially the volunteers who gave up their time to help a fantastic cause.
Nominated Charity Information:
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.”
You can also support Beyond Bea online by following these links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondbeacharity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondbea1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbeacharity/
Website: https://www.beyondbea.co.uk
As a club we are asking for supporters to get involved with the scheme by suggesting charities. If you would like to nominate a charity, please email info@bpafc.com with the name of the charity you would like to nominate and a brief explanation of the type of work the charity does and why you feel the charity deserves support.
We would also be very grateful for any volunteers to help with the collection of donations at our forthcoming home games. This is a vital aspect of the scheme and we really appreciate any support and truly makes a difference in the local community.
Welcome to the MANarama National League
For a second successive season, The National League has once again changed its competition name on a temporary basis in support of official charity partners Prostate Cancer UK.
The League’s sponsors and long-time supporters of Prostate Cancer UK, Vanarama, have again agreed to use their sponsorship in support of the leading men’s health charity until November 9th.
Last year, the MANarama campaign raised over £150,000 to help stop prostate cancer being a killer and earned a host of industry awards.
The rebranding to MANarama features a change of competition logo for each division and will help draw attention to the fact that every forty-five minutes a man dies from prostate cancer.
Vinnie Jones, renowned football hardman and former Wealdstone midfielder, has also been signed up by Vanarama to support the campaign as an ambassador this year.
Jones met Prostate Cancer UK ambassadors Kevin Webber and Errol McKellar on Tuesday afternoon, two men affected by the disease, who will play a key role in the campaign.
Saturday’s clash between Dover Athletic and FC Halifax Town on BT Sport will be the featured match of the MANarama opening weekend.
Starting today, Webber will be walking from Bromley FC to Saturday’s match at Crabble. Webber will be a familiar face to BT Sport viewers after delivering the match ball on the final day of the MANarama campaign in October 2018, at Halifax.
Commenting on the rebrand, The National League’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tattersall, said: “We were extremely pleased with the reaction to our temporary – and historic – rebranding to the MANarama National League during the 2018/19 campaign. It was fantastic to see so much money and awareness raised to aid the fight against prostate cancer.
“We are proud this will be taking place over a 45-day period for a second season.
“Prostate Cancer UK are our official charity partners and we couldn’t think of a charity that better reflects our football values.
“This deadly disease has no boundaries, so it’s been incredibly inspiring to see Kevin Webber raise so much awareness. He’s a remarkable man doing remarkable things and we will continue to stand alongside him, and everyone affected by prostate cancer.”
MANarama ambassador Vinnie Jones said: “I am beyond proud to back this MANarama campaign. It combines two things which are so important to me; grassroots football and fighting cancer.
“I started playing football in Non-League so I know that these clubs are at the heart of local communities. I don’t need to explain why the fight against cancer is so important for me.
“Non-League football is proper football and I’d urge all Non-League clubs and all the proper supporters out there to raise some proper money for this brilliant cause.”
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive, Angela Culhane, added: “Last year’s brilliant MANarama campaign really caught the imagination and we’re delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Vanarama ahead of another exciting few months.
“Money raised will help us fund more ground-breaking research and find the tools needed for a screening programme, in order to catch more prostate cancers early and save more lives.”
Donate now: justgiving.com/fundraising/bradford-park-avenue
Match Report: Avenue 0-3 Southport
Bradford (Park Avenue) slipped to a second successive defeat as Southport ran out 3-0 winners at a damp Horsfall Stadium.
Volunteers worked tirelessly all day to ensure the game went ahead, with only two other fixtures in the National League North taking place.
But goals from Ryan Astles, Devarn Green and David Morgan meant all the hard work was for nothing as the visitors took all three points home.
Avenue had a few sniffs at goal early on, as Dan Sweeney’s low cross just couldn’t find Lewis Knight, before Knight’s cross was headed wide by captain Keith Lowe.
Joe Green then had to be alert as Dean Winnard’s header took a late flick from an Avenue head, but the goalkeeper saved well.
Bradford then came their closest as Knight took aim from a wide free kick, almost catching out Charles Albinson, but the visiting keeper got down smartly to smuggle the ball away.
But it was Southport who took the lead, following on from a questionable free kick on the left, as Jack Doyle appeared to slip, but the referee adjudged a foul by Knight.
Devarn Green took inspiration from the Bradford man, going for goal and almost catching out his namesake Joe, who tipped it onto the bar. Adam Nowakowski couldn’t connect with the clearance though, and centre back Ryan Astles lashed home.
The goal did nothing to invigorate a scrappy half, the closest any side came was just before the break as a loose ball fell for Zayn Mohammed, but Green was out smartly to deny him.
Avenue were worried once more early in the second period, Mohammed winning a header at the back post and Green could only scramble it out of the net, Priestley doing well to clear from the goalmouth.
Bradford then had a wonderful chance to level as Kemy Agustien played a fantastic ball through to Sweeney, but he couldn’t keep his shot down from a tight angle.
And moments later the visitors doubled their lead through Green, who latched onto the end of a fantastic Morgan ball through, and the winger had all the time in the world to slot through the legs of the Avenue stopper Green.
Morgan then capped a fine display with a spectacular goal of his own, taking aim from at least 30 yards and finding the bottom corner with aplomb.
Just minutes later, Avenue were left fuming with the referee once more as Jack Sampson flew into a challenge on Josh Heaton but received just a yellow card, the Avenue man forced to play on with a limp after his side had just made all three changes.
The game fizzled out though there was still time for one final Avenue attempt, Sweeney finding space in the box for a shot but his low effort was excellently kept out by Albinson.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Green, Lund, Priestley (Keane 61), Lowe ©, Hughes (Johnson 76), Heaton, Knight (Dockerty 62), Agustien, Sweeney, Hurst, Nowakowski
Subs not used: Bazeley, Marriott
Booked: Knight (28), Heaton (72)
Southport: Albinson, Mohammed, Doyle, Winnard, Astles, Morgan, Benjamin, Wood, Green (Glynn 71), Sampson (Correia 78, Bauress
Subs not used: Parry, Hanford
Goals: Astles (29), Green (65), Morgan (75)
Booked: Benjamin (39), Sampson (77)
Referee: Paul Brown
Attendance: 418
Keane and Dickinson Join Avenue
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.
Bradford (Park Avenue) Development Fund
After two initial meetings, the representatives of the newly formed independent BPA Development Fund have been selected.
The fund will be represented by:
Dave Stordy (chairman)
Pete Sowden (treasurer)
Sharon Burnett (secretary)
Trevor Haylings
Alan Ham
Roger Banks
Alan Dolby
Neil Fawcett
Dave Rawling
The aim of the body is to bring in much needed funds via variety of methods including social events, raffles, sponsorships and others, which will be highlighted in the coming months.
Starting from this Saturday’s home match against Southport we will have a designated desk in the club house both before, after and during half-time giving further information as well as selling event tickets.
We would like to start this week by having a push to sell more ‘pitch squares’ which are available at just £10 each which gets your name into the programme for the remainder of the season.
If you have not already purchased a square we would ask you to consider buying one or if you know of any small businesses that might want to advertise by this method in the programme please see those on duty at the desk.
This week will also see us selling tickets for our up and coming ‘Comedy & Curry’ night, with top class comedian Nini Gillian on Friday 29 November.
We will also be handing out tickets for our New Year raffle, if every home fan could take 2 books of tickets (5 x £1 tickets per book) we will make a few thousand pounds.
We will be holding our annual football programme fair in the club house on Sunday 8 December 10am till 1pm, more details to follow.
If any fans wish to join the committee please speak with a committee person named above, likewise if anyone one has any fund raising ideas please pass these on to the committee.
Thanks Dave Stordy (chairman)
Southport Game On
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.