14 Mar 2019

Player Loan Update

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) have today extended the loan of Chris Dawson to Grantham Town.

Dawson was sent out on loan to regain match fitness and play significant match minutes at “The Gingerbreads” and has strung together some excellent performances over the past month. With a fully fit squad putting together an unbeaten run at Horsfall , Mark Bower has agreed to extend the loan deal with Grantham whilst including an emergency re-call clause.

News of Dawson’s extension comes as Bradford (Park Avenue) can also confirm that York City FC Loanee Macauley Langstaff has been recalled to his parent club at the end of his short loan spell at Horsfall.

Langstaff was a welcome addition over the past month and a credit to himself displaying great professionalism in a spell of strong performances. Mark Bower and the club were keen to retain the services of Langstaff for the remainder of the season however respect Yorks decision to re-call him. The club would like to thank Macauley for his attitude and commitment to “The Avenue” in his short loan period and also David Penney and the York City FC club.

Of the two loan decisions Mark Bower said

“Chris is getting good game time at Grantham which benefits all parties and we are now able to recall him when required “

Bower added

“We are disappointed not to be able to extend Macaulay’s loan but thank him for his efforts whilst with us and wish him well for the future.”

Bradford (Park Avenue) continue to pursue recruitment targets looking to add depth to the squad in their bid for a successful play off campaign.

Avenue play their re-arranged fixture away to Spennymoor this coming Tuesday March 19th and have two huge home fixtures approaching as they welcome AFC Telford to Horsfall for Tuesday Night Football on March 26th and Alfreton Town on Saturday 30th just 4 days later. With a long spell between home fixtures the club is expecting good gates for both fixtures and are hopefully the local community will come out to support Mark and the team as a second play off battle in a row looms large for Bradford’s recently awarded” Team of the Year”

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14 Mar 2019

MATCH REARRANGED -Spennymoor Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Our next, if, somewhat delayed trip up north is to face a very good Spennymoor Town side in what promises to be a crunch promotion clash as both sides look to flex their promotion-contending credentials.

Goals from Conor Branson and Jamie Spencer secured a third win in five games for Bradford, with Spennymoor missing a game week due to their postponement against Bradford’s Yorkshire rivals, Guiseley.

The last game Tuesday’s hosts did play was against Southport, where they secured a point after going one-nil down with a late penalty from the league’s top goalscorer, Glen Taylor.

Spennymoor’s season has been an impressive one. They boast the third best defence in the league, as well as being the league’s second highest goalscorers and are aiming to stay in touch with Chorley and Stockport County above them.

A win could see Bradford go as high as joint-third, but despite the points tally, Spennymoor’s goal difference will help them stay above Bower’s side whatever the result on Tuesday night.

The reverse fixture came early in the season during mid-August and saw Avenue come out on top. Ben McKenna’s 26th minute strike saw Bradford secure an impressive 1-0 win.

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12 Mar 2019

Match Postponed: Spennymoor Town

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

This evening’s National League North clash at Spennymoor Town has been postponed following a pitch inspection from the match referee.

In a statement on their website, Spennymoor Town said:

“Ground staff and volunteers made an immense effort to get the game on, laying the pitch covers on Monday afternoon with heavy wind and rain expected in the region overnight.
Sadly, sections of the ground which prevented Saturday’s game with Guiseley going ahead have not had time to recover.
A new rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”

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11 Mar 2019

Match Preview: Spennymoor Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Saturday’s impressive hard-fought win over Ashton United mean Mark Bower’s side made it five games unbeaten as their impressive turnaround from the beginning of the year continued.

Next up is a trip up north to face a very good Spennymoor Town side in what promises to be a crunch promotion clash as both sides look to flex their promotion-contending credentials.

The last game Tuesday’s hosts did play was against Southport, where they secured a point after going one-nil down with a late penalty from the league’s top goalscorer, Glen Taylor.

A win could see Bradford go as high as joint-third, but despite the points tally, Spennymoor’s goal difference will help them stay above Bower’s side whatever the result on Tuesday night.

The reverse fixture came early in the season during mid-August and saw Avenue come out on top. Ben McKenna’s 26th minute strike saw Bradford secure an impressive 1-0 win.

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10 Mar 2019

Match Report: Ashton United 0 – 2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team Match Reports, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) made it five games without defeat as they took an important three points away from Ashton United in their impending battle with promotion.

Goals from Conor Branson and Jamie Spencer sealed Avenue’s third win in five games and kept them well inside the play-off places as the season comes to it’s climax.

A tough opening half an hour from a Bradford perspective came to a welcome end, with a strong performance towards the end of the first period which would have pleased boss Mark Bower.

The hosts needed the points in their battle to secure their sixth tier status for next season. Yesterday’s defeat coupled with FC United of Manchester’s impressive victory at Telford leaves Ashton second bottom, three points adrift of Guiseley.

The early exchanges mainly consisted of link-up play between Kallum Mantack, Connor Dimaio and Craig Hobson. Despite creating no clear cut chances the intent was impressive.

On 24 minutes it was almost an opening goal. Matt Regan, who has form for scoring against promotion contenders, almost did so again when his header crashed against the upright with Charlie Andrew rooted.

Bradford’s first effort came courtesy of Macaulay Langstaff who received the ball on the left flank, cut inside and unleashed an effort which had the Avenue fans gasping in despair as he missed the target.

Half chances from Regan, Langstaff and Branson didn’t do anything to hamper the score line and neither ‘keeper was tested beyond their obvious abilities.

At half-time the game was goalless and although pleased with the back four, and the attempt at football considering the worsening condition of the pitch, Bower will have been asking for more in the dressing room.

As a result of the pitch, playing football did prove difficult and the game was being played at a frantic pace, with both sides showing energy and willingness to make their mark on the game.

Bower was first to utilise his substitutes. Danny East, who more often than not makes a positive impact off the bench, came on for Alex Hurst to add an extra dimension to the attack.

A couple of chances came and went for Jake Beesley, our on-loan Salford man was denied on both occasions, latterly by a brilliant smothering save from the home goalkeeper George McMahon.

It was Bower’s second change which drew initial praise. Oli Johnson marked his return from injury and was involved in the first goal. Branson’s magnificently placed header gave the hosts stopper no chance.

Controversy struck with fifteen minutes to go, Lewis Knight was hacked down for what looked a certain penalty and although initially flagging, the assistant was overruled by Amy Hurst and no spot-kick was given, much to the dismay of the travelling Avenue army that made the journey down.

The final change came with thirteen minutes to go. Ever-reliable Adam Nowakowski came on to sit in the middle of the park and cope with the aerial bombardment which was seemingly imminent.

There was a scare for the visitors on 89 minutes. A stinging shot from Dimaio tested Andrew’s handling but he couldn’t hold on and it was Jamie Reed steaming in to put it over the bar.

Any hopes of a late fightback were extinguished when Avenue struck the second goal to seal all three points on the break. Jamie Spencer capped off a man-of-the-match display with a goal to send the Avenue army barmy.

Next up for Mark Bower’s side is a trip up north n what promises to be a crunch clash with fellow promotions chasers, Spennymoor Town.

Teams

Ashton United

McMahon, Crowley, Regan, Chalmers, Ashworth, Kay (Reed 77′), Jennings (Tomsett 69′), Goulding, Hobson, Dimaio, Mantack (Sheridan 66′)

Bradford (Park Avenue)

Andrew, Ross, Clee, Hurst (East 59′), Killock, Havern, Knight, Branson, Beesley (Johnson 66′), Langstaff (Nowakowski 77′), Spencer

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8 Mar 2019

Vanarama National League North Monthly Awards: February 2019

by Carl Marsden | posted in: News | 0

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Steve Watson (York City)

Steve Watson’s start at York City was tricky, to say the least – but things seem to be clicking for the ex-Gateshead boss at the minute, claiming the most wins of any National League Northside in February.
Not even a defeat to Hereford could dampen the Minstermen’s spirit in a month which saw them win every other game they played.
The month began with an away trip which was turning into one of those days until two late, quickfire goals completed an incredible turnaround win against Alfreton Town.

A Jordan Burrow brace saw them comfortably dispatch Ashton United at Bootham Crescent before heading to Kidderminster Harriers the following week and claiming the spoils with a 2-1 win.
The final game of the month saw Hamza Bencherif and, quite fittingly, Wes York bag goals nine and ten of the month for the Club, who now sit just eight points away from the top seven.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Mark Anderson (Spennymoor Town)

Three games, three wins and three goals. It’s been an incredible month for Spennymoor Town’s Mark Anderson.

His goals have helped Jason Ainsley’s side push themselves into serious title contention, mixing it with Chorley and Stockport County for the ultimate prize.

A 2-0 win at Nuneaton Borough saw Anderson open his account for the month before bagging the winner, and a crucial three points on the road at Altrincham.

And the midfield maestro capped off an exceptional month with the winning goal over Leamington at Brewery Field – a win that saw them put clear daylight between the top three and the chasing pack.

The Club knows they blew a big chance at this of last season to achieve a top-seven finish, but there’s no sign of Spennymoor making the same mistake 12 months on.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Jordan Tyms (Altrincham)

Jordan Tyms has won Volunteer of the Month for Altrincham in the National League North.

In February, the Club dedicated their League game versus Bradford (Park Avenue) to “Football v Homophobia”, celebrating the campaign’s tenth anniversary and as part of FvH Action Month. Altrincham became the first Club in world football to wear a rainbow kit.

The response was outstanding, with global media coverage and messages of support. A four-figure sum was raised for a Manchester Youth Charity too.

This event was Jordan’s idea and he was also behind the execution of it on the day, devoting dozens of hours per week to make it a success and ensured other volunteers and the Club’s Directors were aware of their responsibilities and delivered according to the plan.

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8 Mar 2019

Match Preview: Ashton United vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Tuesday’s impressive win over Leamington saw Mark Bower’s Bradford (Park Avenue) side make it four games unbeaten ahead of the visit to relegation-threatened Ashton United, who are three points adrift of safety with nine games to go.

That aforementioned victory saw Bradford propelled up to fifth place in the table, level on points with Brackley Town in fourth position and four points inside the play-off places.

Goals from Conor Branson and Macaulay Langstaff ensured the three points on Tuesday night, with the visitors scoring through Ahmed Obeng, yet the Yorkshire side weren’t to be denied, much to the delight of the manager.

Ashton’s last league game was a 2-0 defeat away at Derbyshire based side Alfreton Town. In a scrappy game where either team could have taken the points, Alfreton came out on top with two second-half goals from Bobby Johnson and Declan Bacon.

The lowly hosts have only won one of their last six games, and their problems lie in the defensive third, having shipped 71 goals so far this season, only bottom club Nuneaton Borough are worse off.

A win could see Avenue move up to fourth outright, if all other results went in their favour, as well as closing the gap on the top three, ahead of next Tuesday’s crunch clash at Spennymoor Town.

The last meeting between the two sides was a thriller. Bradley Jackson and Liam Martin put Ashton 2-0 up, but a late goal from Lewis Knight, plus a brace for Shane Killock secured a dramatic victory.

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6 Mar 2019

Match Report: Bradford vs Leamington

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team Match Reports, News | 0

With our visitors sat in 17th, Bradford (Park Avenue) came into Tuesday night’s game against Leamington looking to put some daylight between themselves and the play-off challengers.

In similar fashion to the game against Chester just a couple of weeks ago, Avenue came out of the blocks quickly and just three minutes in the Horsfall Stadium were on their collective feet to celebrate Conor Branson’s third minute strike.

Branson received the ball, shifted it on to his favoured foot before unleashing an unstoppable shot that flew into the top corner, leaving visiting goalkeeper Tony Breeden, with no chance.

The next significant chance came to the visitors. Breeden’s free-kick reached Leamington talisman, Colby Bishop. He tried to cleverly lob the ball over Charlie Andrew but he was up to the task and caught easily.

Bishop was to try his luck again. Good work from Ahmed Obeng resulted in the striker receiving the ball before creating a yard but could only fire wide of Andrew’s right-hand post.

An equlaiser could have perhaps been predicted and it duly came on 26 minutes, Bishop headed against the crossbar but Obeng was readily available to pounce on the rebound to equal up the scores.

In-form Jake Beesley looked to continue his impressive run of form with a snapshot from just inside the box, but Breeden got strong wrists on it to turn it behind as Bradford searched for a go-ahead goal.

Five minutes before the break, and Bradford would get their reward. Macaulay Langstaff, who was denied by the flag twice on Satuday was celebrating this one in it’s entirety.

A flowing move involving Luca Havern, Lewis Knight and Beesley resulted in the on-loan York City forward receiving the ball and curling wonderfully beyond Breeden to put his side back in front.

Two almost became three on the stroke of half-time. Knight’s teasing ball in was met by Avenue captain Shane Killock but he could only send the ball sailing over the bar off his forehead.

The second-hald started in relatively quiet fashion in comparison to the way the first period ended, and ten minutes past with no event of note.

That came courtesy of Knight, his free-kick struck the top of the wall and deflected out for a corner as Bradford searched for an elusive third goal.

Jordan Murphy looked to take the initiative for his side. He drove inside with the ball and tried his luck from range but it was well, well over as the visitors remained frustrated.

Jack Edwards will have been kicking himself with the chance he missed at the back post after good work from Junior English on the right-flank.

Substitute Danny East came close with a nice effort and ever-lively Knight burst into the box with no Avenue man in there to meet his cross as both sides looked for the next goal.

The final big chance of the game came for Beesley however his curling effort went wide of the post, an outcome he will be disappointing with considering his rich vein of goalscoring form in recent weeks.

In the end Avenue ground out the three points to make it four games unbeaten.

Teams

Bradford (Park Avenue)

Andrew, Ross, Lowe, Hurst (Clee 82′), Killock, Havern, Knight (Nowakowski 86′), Branson, Beesley, Langstaff (East 68′), Spencer.

Leamington

Breeden, English, Gudger (Lane 75′), Clarke (Wilding 75′), Hood, Mace, Murphy, Flanagan (Taylor 88′), Bishop, Edwards, Obeng.

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3 Mar 2019

Pre-Match Programme: Leamington FC

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) head into Tuesday’s clash with Leamington looking to extend their unbeaten run having salvaged a draw at home to Curzon Ashton on Saturday afternoon.

Jake Beesley’s consecutive brace meant that Mark Bower’s side took a point, although they could have had all three, with two Macaulay Langstaff strikes being disallowed for offside, the latter in the final minute.

Our midweek visitors have lost their last three fixtures and are six points ahead of Ashton United, who currently occupy the final relegation place in the National League North.

Bower could have the services of Oli Johnson available to him, who has missed the last few games with injury, while Connor Branson completed 72 minutes on his return from illness.

Despite their league struggles, Leamington have reached the semi-final of the Birmingham Senior Cup, in which they knocked out a young West Bromwich Albion side.

The game provides an opportunity for Avenue to close the gap on their rivals above, with the Yorkshire side having a game in hand on those around them.

The reverse fixture between the two sides was a six-goal thriller. Goals from Johnson, and skipper Shane Killock not enough to take anything from the game.

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3 Mar 2019

Match Re-arranged: Telford United

by Carl Marsden | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

The game scheduled for the 16th of March vs Telford has been moved to Tuesday the 26th of March

This match has been re-arranged due to Telford’s participation in the FA Trophy on that day.

Get behind the Avenue and cheer on the team at the Horsfall as Bower’s men battle for promotion to the National League.

Kick Off: 7:45pm

Coming Straight From work?

Our award winning tea bar can take care of the cooking whilst you enjoy the game.

2018-19 League Admission Prices

Adult – £12
Concession – £9
Student – £7
Under-16 – £2

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