4 Dec 2018

The Avenue return home on top and ready to celebrate offering free entry to kids

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Following consecutive away fixtures, Bradford Park Avenue return to Horsfall Stadium this Saturday 8th of December to kick off the festive season sitting TOP of National League north and ready to party with all comers.

At their last outing on home turf back in Mid-November, the Horsfall faithful and a number of Football fans from other great Yorkshire clubs were treated to a special international break weekend when Mark Bowers team showed all the character and pluck that has carried them up to the top of the league, storming back from a 2-0 deficit to take all three points with 3 stunning strikes in the final 6 minutes.

That result sees BPA sit top on 37 points, 3 points clear of high flying Chorley, with clubs the size and ilk of Chester, Telford, Altrincham and Spenymoor all chasing the Bradfordians .

Bradford Park Avenue Chairman Gareth Roberts had the following to say about the growing number of local sports fans who are getting behind the club in this exciting time :

“The Bradford Park Avenue board and volunteers have launched new initiatives leading into this weekends big match V Southport in a bid to thank the supporters of Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, Halifax FC, Leeds Utd, Thackley FC and Brighouse Town, among many others including Bradford Bulls and Cleckheaton Rugby fans, for supporting us as neighbours“

Roberts added :

“We’re not a large club but we are powered by a very hard working and proud group of true Football Supporters and we are just really appreciative of the good wishes and parochial support shown to us by supporters of the larger clubs around and also our other non league family. We genuinely wish everyone the very best for their club this weekend as most are all playing away, and we invite those supporters unable to travel to support their club to come down to Horsfall, try the famous Chips and Gravy and our supporter club bar, and enjoy a very proper non league football experience with a team that is truly giving us something we are very proud of“

To make it an easier decision for locals to come down and visit Horsfall this Saturday the club are offering FREE entry to all children 16 years and under when accompanied by an adult.

Other promotions and features on the day are :-

  • All Children 16 and under FREE with paying adult or club season ticket holder
  • All season ticket holders from any sports club will receive 3 bottled beers (Coors and Magners) for the price of 2 on presentation of your season ticket
  • GIN BAR with a wide range of Gins and mixers
  • Score updates from all matches involving local clubs will be provided throughout the afternoon and match
  • Horsfall’s Famous Chips and Gravy on sale all day in The Avenue kiosk
  • Great range of craft Saltaire brewery beers
  • Kids and families can stretch their legs in the open spaces around Horsfall, sit under cover in the main stand, join the Bus Shelter home fans the behind goal, watch score updates in the warm clubhouse, or stand close to the action on the pavilion side, all with a beer, wine or cider or of course hot drink.
  • Parking available on site for just £2
  • After match drinks and chat with players and manager in clubhouse for Man of the Match presentation
  • One of the best ground PA soundtracks ever conceived
  • Half season tickets available for purchase on the day

Prices and full event details are :-

Kick Off:

3pm | 08/12/18

Address:

Horsfall Stadium
Cemetery Road
Bradford
BD6 2NG

Click Here To Find Us On Google Maps

Admission Prices:

Adult – £12
Concession – £9
Student – £7
Under-16 – £2 (Free if accompanied by an adult)

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1 Dec 2018

Bradford Beat Bucks To Stay Top

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Bradford (Park Avenue) retained their grip on top spot in the Vanarama National League North with a hard-fought victory over AFC Telford United.

Supporters were treated to a fast and fiery first-half, during which both sides created several opportunites and tempers threatened to flare on numerous occasions.

The hosts were keen to test Bradford in the opening exchanges and Bucks frontman Daniel Udoh registered the first shot on target of the game after just two minutes. His effort, however, was tame and rolled into the grateful clutches of Steven Drench.

A corner routine taken straight from the Telford training ground then created space for Darryl Knights to shoot, but he fired over the woodwork from a central position.

Telford were soon carved open themselves and Oli Johnson managed to flick over a stranded Andy Wycherley, but saw his effort hooked off the line in dramatic fashion by Shane Sutton.

Nicky Clee threaded through to an on-rushing Lewis Knight, but the Bradford man’s strike was blocked by makeshift left-back Ellis Deeney.

Deeney then almost made an impact at the other end when he connected with Knights’ teasing delivery. Despite having to scramble across his line, Drench held on to the powerful header.

Clee proved to be a thorn in Telford’s side throughout the first-half and found Knight with a superb lofted pass. The on-rushing attacker made an incisive dart into the box before being thwarted by Deeney’s sliding tackle.

Clee then skipped past two players with some deft footwork before teeing up Nicky Wroe, but the midfielder’s shot was diverted away from goal by the outstretched boot of Sutton.

The Bucks began to take control in the late stages of the half yet failed to capitalise on the opportunites they created. James McQuilkin sent two free-kick efforts over the crossbar and Amari Morgan-Smith headed wide after meeting Udoh’s cross.

HALF-TIME: AFC Telford United 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

A collision between Drench and Udoh left both in a heap shortly after the restart and Knights attempted to take advantage. He lifted over the floored duo, but his effort found the wrong side of the crossbar.
Three minutes later, Bradford were ahead through Knight, who tucked the ball away in a vacated net after Wycherley parried Beesley’s curling effort.

Telford’s frustration was clear for all to see and McQuilkin sent a speculative effort wide despite several of his teammates making themselves available.

The trailing hosts desperately searched for an equaliser but found themselves unable to break the visitors down. Bradford’s defence remained resolute, forcing Telford to resort to speculative strikes from long-range.

Deeney escaped Ryan Toulson and teed up McQuilkin, but his audacious attempt whistled wide of the post.

Substitute Ryan Barnet came closer, forcing Drench to pluck his thunderous effort out of the top left-hand corner.

As the game entered its final ten minutes, pressure began to mount upon Bradford. Sutton connected with a corner delivery but nodded wide and Barnett was denied by Drench for a second time, watching his low drive be dropped upon by the Bradford stopper.

Bradford soaked up the pressure heaped upon them and launched a swift counter-attack to seal the three points in stoppage time. Beesley squared to Spencer from the left and the midfielder made no mistake in steering past Wycherley with admirable composure.

FULL-TIME: AFC Telford United 0-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

AFC Telford United: Wycherley, White, Deeney, McQuilkin, Sutton (c), Smith (Barnett 62’), Cowans, Royle, Morgan-Smith (Daniels 78’), Udoh, Knights (Brown 78’).

Unused substitutes: Bramley, Ceesau.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Toulson, Lowe, Wroe, Ross, Havern, Nowakowski (Spencer 76’), Knight, Beesley, Johnson, Clee.

Unused substitutes: Dawson.

Referee: Aaron Jackson

Attendance: 1,468

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1 Dec 2018

Match Preview: Telford United vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Today’s trip to New Bucks Head provides a perfect opportunity for Bradford (Park Avenue) to bounce back from last week’s humbling at the hands of Altrincham.

AFC Telford United have emerged as one of the most dangerous sides in the Vanarama National League North this season, rising to 3rd under the tutelage of former Bucks player Gavin Cowan.

Bradford will be welcoming a return to league action after the FA Trophy exit and will be reassured by the fact that they remain top of the division. Mark Bower’s side haven’t lost a league game since the 13th October, beating the likes of Chorley and York City in a remarkable ascension to the summit.

AFC Telford also embarked on an unbeaten run in league throughout November and advanced in the FA Trophy with a 2-0 victory over Darlington last week.

GUIDE TO THE OPPOSITION:

The Gaffer:

Gavin Cowan

The 37-year-old stepped into management in May this year, replacing Rob Edwards as Bucks boss. As a player, he represented Shrewsbury in the Football League but spent most of his career in non-league, enjoying spells with the likes of Braintree Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Borough and AFC Telford United.

Ones To Watch:

Amari Morgan-Smith

A tricky forward with an eye for goal, Morgan-Smith is certainly one for opposition defences to keep an eye on. He made the switch to New Bucks Head in February from league rivals York City and has proved to be a key asset for the club. The 29-year-old provided the winning goal on Telford’s last league outing, against F.C United of Manchester, and will be keen to add to his tally today. The former England C international was plying his trade in League One as recently as the 2014/15 season and spent the first half of the 2016/17 campaign in League Two with Cheltenham Town.

Yusifu Ceesay

The pacey 23-year-old was added to AFC Telford’s squad yesterday completing a loan move from Blackpool. A direct winger, he could be in line to make his Bucks debut against Bradford today.

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24 Nov 2018

Ruthless Robins end FA Trophy dream

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Bradford (Park Avenue) crashed out of the Buildbase FA Trophy following a 4-0 defeat to league rivals Altrincham.

In a first-half that yielded little quality from either side, Altrincham provided the cutting edge that separated them from the visitors.

Robins defender Connor Hampson surged forward before forcing Steven Drench to produce and impressive save in the opening five minutes and it wasn’t long until the hosts were ahead.

Danny Lowe bundled Jordan Hulme to the ground, handing John Johnston the opportunity to step up and send Drench the wrong way with a penalty.

Bradford looked to respond swiftly but after Nicky Clee found Jake Beesley with a free-kick delivery, the forward poked into a sea of bodies before the ball was cleared.

Clee, a familiar face at the J. Davidson Stadium, then embarked on a mazy run that saw him skip past three players, but his drilled cross was intercepted by Tom Hannigan.

The Robins continued to look most likely to score and went close through Andrew White, who saw his low drive pushed wide by the outstretched right glove of Drench.

A lapse in concentration from Lowe enabled Johnston to shoot from close-range but Drench was on-hand to spare the defender’s blushes and beat away the winger’s effort.

Altrincham’s lead was then doubled when Josh Hancock rolled into the path of Hulme, who tucked away in the bottom corner in a composed manner.

The visitors did register a shot on target before the half-time whistle blew, but McKenna’s thunderous volley was palmed away from danger by Robins stopper Andrew Thompson.

HALF-TIME: Altrincham 2-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Altrincham added to their advantage shortly after the restart when Johnston teed up Josh Hancock and the midfielder curled past Drench from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Johnston then came very close to adding a fourth in similar fashion to how Hancock netted the third, but his curling effort was held by Drench.

A golden opportunity fell Jake Beesley’s way after Oli Johnson darted to the byline and squared, but the forward poked wide from 5-yards out.

Johnson was the provider again when he cut back to an on-rushing Alex Hurst from the left, but the midfielder blasted over the crossbar from just inside the box.

Despite having a comfortable lead, the Robins continued to threaten and almost added a fourth through Owen Dale. He latched on to a punt from Jake Moult before making an incisive dart into the box but dragged wide under pressure from Gianluca Havern.

They carved Bradford open again with twelve minutes remaining on the clock and substitute Kallum Mantack become the fourth Robins player to etch his name on the scoresheet. He arrived at the back post to meet Hulme’s delivery before miscuing his first attempt at a shot but made amends by retaining possession and steering past Drench.

In the final ten minutes, the Robins sat deep within their own half and sprayed the ball around with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they had a comfortable lead. Mark Bower’s side chased relentlessly but failed to cause the hosts any problem in the latter stages.

Altrincham: Thompson, White, Hampson (Densmore 75’), Jones, Hannigan, Moult, Johnston (Mantack 75’), Richman, Hulme, Hancock (Harrop 80’), Dale.

Unused substitutes: Langley, Wynne.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe (Johnson 58’), Spencer (Wroe 58’), Killock (c), Havern, McKenna, Branson, Beesley (Nowakowski 71’), Hurst, Clee.

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Atkinson.

Referee: Richard Aspinall

HT: 2-0

Attendance: 570

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23 Nov 2018

Match Preview: Altrincham vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Bradford (Park Avenue)’s attention has switched to the Buildbase FA Trophy in preparation for their first involvement in the competition this season.

Altrincham will provide the opposition on Saturday and Bradford will be aware of the threat they pose, despite leading Phil Parkinson’s outfit by six points in the league.
Not only will Mark Bower’s side have their sights set on reaching the next round, they will be keen to exact revenge on the Robins after they exited the Emirates FA Cup at their hands in October. Jake Beesley converted a penalty and Shane Killock also notched but a clinical Altrincham carved Bradford open on several occasions to claim a 4-2 victory.

The two sides also met in league action at the Horsfall Stadium back in September. Killock and Conor Branson struck to overturn an early deficit, but John Johnston and Max Harrop etched their names on the scoresheet to leave Bradford empty-handed.

However, since the sides last met, Bradford have established themselves as the Vanarama National League North’s most in-form side. Last Saturday’s win over Ashton United extended the club’s unbeaten run to six matches and the West Yorkshire side are riding high on a wave of confidence ahead of tomorrow’s game.

After falling at the first hurdle last year, Bradford will be desperate to overcome Altrincham and take a step towards Wembley.

GUIDE TO THE OPPOSITION:

The Gaffer:

Phil Parkinson
Parkinson was appointed as Robins manager in April 2017. He joined the club from Nantwich Town, who he had been in charge of since February 2015. During his time with the Dabbers, he guided the club to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy in 2016 and the semi-finals of the Northern Premier League play-offs in 2017, An FA-Vase winning captain as a player with Nantwich, he also represented Port Vale after having spells with Crewe Alexandra and Reading as a youth player.

One To Watch:

Jordan Hulme
Hulme is undoubtedly one of the division’s most potent forwards. The clinical finisher has found the back of the net on ten occasions in the league already, picking up where he left off last season when he was the Robins’ top-scorer. He was also crowned the Northern Premier League Player of the Year after breaking the 30-goal barrier. The forward worked with management duo Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at Ramsbottom United and Salford City before making the move to the J. Davidson Stadium in July 2017.

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21 Nov 2018

The Soccer Store Donate Football Goals The Horsfall College of Sport.

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The Soccer Store have donated two Samba Football Goals to Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Horsfall College of Sport. The goal posts will be used in training sessions at the College.

The donation coincides with the current recruitment campaign in which the college is inviting applications from male and female students (16-18 year olds) who are interested in a career in the sports industry; the college is open to all students with an interest in Football. Students will study for a BTEC Level 2 or 3 dependent on their academic qualifications, for further information please contact – info@horsfallcollege.com

Jack hart from The Soccer Store said

“It is great to get involved with Bradford (Park Avenue) who place such importance on youth football and football in the community. We know that away from the Premier League every penny counts in the running of football clubs and their academies and hope the two Samba football goals will help out.”

Alex Meechan of Horsfall College of Sport said

“We really appreciate this support from The Soccer Store in supplying these goals. Our students are doing a great job completing their studies and are developing well on the pitch with some good results recently. These goals will be used at our training sessions and we encourage any parents of boys or girls looking at post 16 study options to get in touch at this important time and come and discuss about what we can offer. It’s a very exciting time here at Horsfall with the Bradford (Park Avenue) first team sitting on top of the league and a real buzz around our loyal supporters, The Soccer Store have chosen a great time to get behind the club “

The Soccer Store is the leading online supplier of Samba Portable Goal Posts, which are used by Pro and Amateur clubs as well a young aspiring footballers in their own back gardens. They also supply an extensive range of football training equipment, match day equipment and footballs. You can visit their website to check out their full range of football goals

For further information about the Horsfall College of Sport please contact:

Alex Meechan – meeks80@tiscali.com or 07967376958
Tally Clayton – natalie-clayton@live.com or 07772651700

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17 Nov 2018

Table Toppers Topple Ashton

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Bradford (Park Avenue) staged a late comeback to clinch a stunning victory over Ashton United.

The hosts suffered an early setback when Bradley Jackson wriggled away from his marker and rifled past Steven Drench.

Bradford looked to respond swiftly but Jake Beesley headed wide after connecting with Ben McKenna’s delivery from the left.

A neat exchange between Matt Hill and Bradley Jackson freed the latter but his cross wasn’t capitalised upon by the on-rushing Ashton attackers.

It didn’t take long for the Robins to double their lead and send the travelling supporters into a frenzy. The outstretched glove of Drench touched Liam Martin’s effort, but he couldn’t prevent the ball nestling in the bottom corner.

An opportunity fell Jamie Spencer’s way after he burst into the box but the midfielder struck into the midriff of Ashton stopper Pilling.

Drench couldn’t keep Martin’s shot out, but he did deny Liam Tomsett, producing a spectacular save to thwart him at point blank range.

Drench had to be alert again as half-time approached, scrambling across his line to hold Matthew Regan’s flicked header.

HALF-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-2 Ashton United

Bradford started the brightest after the interval but Nicky Clee’s cross was intercepted after he weaved his way past three defenders.

The makeshift left-back also drilled a free-kick into the wall before McKenna’s follow-up was held by Pilling.

The former occupant of the left-back position at the Horsfall Stadium, Hill, then tried his own luck but fired into a sea of bodies.

Bradford eventually made a breakthrough when Alex Hurst teed up Lewis Knight, allowing the forward to rifle past Pilling from distance and reduce the deficit.

An equaliser followed almost immediately as the ball fell to Shane Killock inside the box and the captain steered into the bottom corner.

A shellshocked Ashton backline were carved open again in stoppage time and Killock netted his second to clinch victory.

FULL-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-2 Ashton United

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Clee, Wroe (Lowe 45’), Killock (c), Havern, Spencer (Nowakowski 71’), Branson, Beesley, McKenna, (Hurst 71′), Knight.

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Atkinson.

Ashton United: Pilling, Lees (c) (Casian-Anghel 90+3’), Hill (Crowther 90+3’), Ashworth, Chalmers, Sheridan, Jackson, Regan, Martin, Tomsett (Kay 78′), Askew.

Unused substitutes: Howarth, Roberts.

Referee: Michael Barlow

Attendance: 474

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16 Nov 2018

Pre-Match Programme: Ashton United FC

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Bradford (Park Avenue) host Ashton United on Saturday and will be hoping to extend their unbeaten league run to six matches.

At the time of writing, Bradford sit top of the Vanarama National League North and will be full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash with lowly Ashton.

The Robins may occupy 19th place in the league table but defeated Guiseley on their last outing, three days after securing a credible draw with Boston United. However, the high-flying hosts will be boosted by the return of duo Danny Lowe and Chris Dawson, who have both been sidelined by injuries in recent weeks.

Mark Bower was frustrated to see his side held by Curzon Ashton on Saturday but highlighted the importance of keeping things in perspective:

“We’re doing really well. We dipped below the standards we’ve set recently against Curzon but Saturday gives us a good opportunity to get back up to those levels and we can hopefully get back to winning ways.

“It’s really nice to be top of the league. We went to Curzon less than two years ago and we were rock bottom of the league and in need of a good run to save us from relegation. It’s nice for people that follow the club, put their and effort into the club and put money into the club to see us at the top of the league. It won’t make any difference to us as a group of players and management but it is something that no one expected of us.

“I don’t think many other teams think that we’re that sort of team so it’s nice to prove people wrong and we’ve done that.”

 

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16 Nov 2018

Altrincham FC Away Travel

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The club are looking at running a supporters coach to Altrincham FC Saturday 24th November. Seats cost £12 for adults and £6 for under 16’s and pick up times are still to be confirmed.

To book your seat please see Neil Fawcett at the supporters information desk in the clubhouse or contact him on 07811959003.

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16 Nov 2018

Players Fund Update

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Club shop Manager and fundraiser Dave Stordy would like to provide the following update to supporters on the progress of this seasons players fund.

Our supporters players fund, which due to a couple of substantial donations, has now risen to over £5,110, thanks to all those who have contributed so far. As the majority of you will be aware the fund was started to help Mark and his management team compete with some of our wealthier rivals by possibly bringing in couple of additional signings, be they permanent or loans.

Whilst we have not set any targets I would at this stage like to propose we target to reach the end of the year with the target of £10k. To achieve this I’m suggesting that if say 250 of our regular fans could commit to paying £10 each in the months of November and December then that would see us reach that target to enable Mark to hopefully make a couple of new signings to help our promotion push. I know not everyone might be able to afford this but those that can will you please consider making the donations.

Donations can be made in cash in the club shop on match days, cheque or by bank transfer, if you wish to use the latter methods please contact me on 01274 512989 or email davestordy@hotmail.co.uk and I will give instructions on how to make your donation.

Thanks for all your support.

Dave Stordy

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