13 Oct 2018

Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Kidderminster Harriers

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Over five months after they clashed in last season’s play-off elimination round, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Kidderminster Harriers meet again.

Today’s game also marks Non-League Day 2018, but in the midst of the celebrations there is a game between two of the National League North’s top three sides which looks set to be thoroughly entertaining.

Mark Bower’s side will be pleased to be back in league action after crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup last week and that will also be the case for the visitors, who were beaten by Stourbridge last week.

Gianluca Havern and Chris Dawson may not feature after picking up injuries during the defeat to Altrincham, but Bradford boss Bower has insisted that neither will be long-term absentees.

Speaking after last week’s cup defeat, Bower admitted that today’s test will be a stern one:

“Next week’s game is obviously going to be a really hard one against the team I expect to go on and win the league. But we’ll learn lessons from today’s defeat, we’re disappointed but we’ve got to keep things in perspective. Overall, this season, we’ve done okay. We’ve looked solid for most parts but we’ve got make sure we’re right back at it and putting in the kind of performances that we’ve put in over the last few weeks to give ourselves a chance of getting something out of the game against Kidderminster.”

Captain Shane Killock also discussed today’s challenge:

“We know Kidderminster are a good side. They’re full-time and they’re fit but we always raise our game against the better teams. There are no easy games in this league so we’ve got to keep going every Saturday and put the performances in.”

There’s never been a better time to come and support Bradford (Park Avenue). Season ticket holders from any cub can watch today’s game for just £5* and students can purchase a season ticket for just £10**.

*When season ticket is presented

**When valid student identification is presented

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12 Oct 2018

Bradford Bulls & Bradford Park Avenue Announce Strategic Partnership

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

The owners of two of Bradford’s iconic professional sporting clubs have today announced an innovative strategic partnership. Gareth Roberts, owner of Vanarama National League North club Bradford Park Avenue, and Andrew Chalmers, owner of Betfred Championship Rugby League Club The Bradford Bulls were excited to announce the Partnership:

“We’ve been in positive dialogue for a number of months regarding our respective clubs and how best to serve our supporters and the community in future,” said Gareth Roberts who has provided substantial financial support to Bradford Park Avenue over the past few years.

He continued, “Our management team and players have done a tremendous job to reach deep into the playoffs last season and have begun the 2018/2019 season strongly again. Like many National League clubs, however, we have required constant underwriting financially to fund our endeavours and that is not a sustainable model in perpetuity. By utilising the expertise of the Bulls management we can get a best practice evaluation of our off-field and front office operations and access their wider resources and experience in raising our game commercially and operationally”

Andrew Chalmers added “There is a wonderful synergy in returning to a partnership which was in place from 1863 to 1907. Our two clubs are traditionally family, and with both on a strong growth and performance trajectory there is so much common sense in sharing our services and resources to reduce costs and improve performance”

In 1863 Bradford Football Club was formed and in 1907 the club split when the Bradford Northern was formed in order to continue playing Rugby League whilst the slight majority of members chose to pursue Association Football forming Bradford Park Avenue AFC.

Both Bradford Park Avenue and Bradford Bulls have enjoyed long and proud histories in their respective sports since taking separate paths 1907 and are proud and important pillars of the decorated Bradford sporting culture. The concept of multi-sport shared management and services models, and the associated cost and efficiency benefits it brings is something that both Club Chairmen are interested in exploring further.

The Partnership will see Damian Irvine from The Bulls take on the wider remit of overseeing the Day to Day operational and strategic management of Bradford Park Avenue. Irvine, who is a vastly experienced Football and Rugby Chief Executive, led the financial turnaround of top-tier Cronulla Sharks in his native Australia before delivering commercial success and award-winning engagement and marketing campaigns at EFL clubs Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers.

All Bradford Bulls season ticket holders are being offered entry to tomorrows Bradford Park Avenue Fixture against Kidderminster for just £5 as part of the Non-league football focus weekend as the international break sees an absence of Premier League and Championship Football nationwide.

For further information, comments or interviews please contact Damian Irvine on 07724 502702 or info@bpafc.com

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11 Oct 2018

Pre-Match Programme – Kidderminster

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

Kidderminster returns to the Horsfall seeking vengeance after Bradford thwarted their promotion chances in May’s spectacular playoff run.

With Avenue winning the last two times we met, could we make it a hat-trick and overtake them for second place in the league?

With Beesley on form at the front and our set pieces looking dangerous this is going to be a tight match and could go either way. So get behind the boys and sing with the Green Army.

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10 Oct 2018

Fans Forum With Owner Gareth Roberts

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Bradford, who currently occupy thrid spot in the table, will take on fellow high flyers Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday at 15:00 KO, who are two points ahead in second place. The club are confident that with the game coinciding with Non-League Day, and with the absence of any Premier League or Championship fixtures, they will be able to double their average attendance on the day.

To encourage attendance on the day supporters who present a season ticket at the turnstile – regardless of club or sport – will get in for just £5.

Chief Executive, Rob Stanley, said: “Non-League day is a chance for people to come along and see what real football is like. Hopefully we will have around 800 people here cheering the team on, as Kidderminster look like one of the teams to beat this year.”

In a further boost, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts, the club’s owner who now lives in Texas, will be flying over for the game at Horsfall Stadium. The club would also like to announce that after the game in clubhouse there will be an open fans forum with club owner Gareth Roberts and Chief Executive Robert Stanley.

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10 Oct 2018

University Of Bradford Kick-Off Campaign To Support Bradford (Park Avenue)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

University of Bradford staff and students are being encouraged to get behind local side, Bradford (Park Avenue), for this year’s Non-League Football Day on the13th October.

Bradford, who currently occupy fourth spot in the table, will take on fellow high flyers Kidderminster Harriers who are two points ahead in second place.

The club are confident that, with the absence of any Premier League or Championship fixtures, they will be able to double their average attendance on the day.

In a further boost, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts, the club’s owner who now lives in Texas, will be flying over for the game at Horsfall Stadium.

Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University of Bradford, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of a live football match. We have thousands of new and returning students on campus and it would be amazing to see them all there embracing the Team Bradford ethos.”

There is also a serious side to Non-League Day, with clubs fundraising to support Prostate Cancer UK. The aim is to raise awareness of a disease which, on average, kills one man every 45 minutes. Last year £15,000 was raised for the charity.

Tickets for the game are £12 for adults and £7 for students, but to encourage attendance both on the day and across the season, there will be some special offers available. Supporters who present a season ticket at the turnstile – regardless of club or sport – will get in for just £5, plus any student who attends on the day can purchase a Bradford Park Avenue season ticket for the discounted price of £10.

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6 Oct 2018

Bradford Eliminated By Ruthless Robins

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup by National League North counterparts Altrincham.

After a first-half that failed to separate the sides, the visitors leaked two to send the Robins into the Fourth Qualifying Round of the prestigious competition.

Altrincham had two early opportunites to open the scoring, but Steven Drench held on to a flicked effort from Jordan Hulme and Sean Williams’ deflected effort struck the post. After the ball cannoned off the woodwork, it fell at the feet of John Johnston but the winger was thwarted by the Bradford stopper.

Drench remained busy in the early exchanges and his palms were stung by a long-range piledriver from Max Harrop.

Bradford caught their first glimpse of goal when Jake Beesley accelerated away from Connor Hampson and crossed, but Chris Dawson poked wide.

The chance seemed to rally Mark Bower’s side, who began to ask questions of their opponents. Ben McKenna nodded wide from a Danny Lowe delivery and Beesley also sent a header wide after connecting with a cross from Nicky Wroe.

Shortly after, McKenna rattled the post with a thunderous effort before the ball fell to Wroe on the edge of the box. The midfielder, however, couldn’t find the target and blasted wide.

They were soon rewarded for their pressure when Beesley was hauled to the ground by Jake Moult inside the 18-yard box. The forward stepped up and converted, giving Bradford a thoroughly deserved lead.

An acrobatic effort from McKenna then drew a magnificent save from Tony Thompson, who palmed the ball wide of the post at full stretch.

However, Bradford were sucker-punched as Hulme found Hampson with a low cross, enabling the defender to bundle over the line in the midst of a scramble.

Despite the blow, it took barely two minutes for the visitors to regain the lead. Wroe delivered a corner that found Shane Killock, who struck past Thompson.

The drama continued as stunned supporters witnessed another goal on the stroke of half-time. Jake Moult’s speculative strike from distance took a deflection that wrong-footed Drench and put the Robins back on level terms.

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

Mark Bower was forced to shuffle his pack during the interval as Gianluca Havern was forced out of the action with injury. Conor Branson moved to the centre of defence as Jamie Spencer stepped off the bench and into midfield.

Bradford then made another enforced change, replacing Chris Dawson with veteran Danny Boshell.

The second-half didn’t quite reach the entertainment levels of the half that preceded it. Neither side was really troubled until the 57th minute when Harrop threaded through to Hulme and Killock was forced to block a low drive.

Johnston then came close to edging Altrincham ahead, but his curling effort was plucked out of the top corner by Drench.

However, the goalkeeper was unable to prevent James Jones steering home from Moult’s corner delivery and edging the Robins ahead.

Despite having a deficit to overturn, Bradford struggled to break the hardy hosts down and McKenna saw a dangerous delivery diverted away from danger by Tom Hannigan.

With just six minutes remaining, Altrincham extended their lead and deflated their opponents. Hulme cut in from the left before unleashing a vicious strike that rendered Drench helpless.

The visitors failed to mount a comeback and were condemned to their second defeat to Altrincham of the season,

FULL-TIME: Altrincham 4-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Altrincham: T. Thompson, White, Hampson, Jones, Hannigan, Moult (c), Johnston (Hancock 72′), Williams (Poole 72′), Hulme, Harrop, Dale (Peers 82′).

Unused substitutes: Goulding, J. Thompson, Densmore, Wynne.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Nowakowski 79′), Killock (c), Havern (Spencer 45′), McKenna, Branson, Beesley, Dawson (Boshell 52′), Clee.

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Atkinson, Knight, Johnson.

Referee: Dean Watson

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5 Oct 2018

Match Preview: Altrincham vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) visit National League North counterparts Altrincham tomorrow, looking to keep the Emirates FA Cup dream alive.

The two sides met less than a month ago in league action, but the Robins left the Horsfall Stadium with three points in the bag after a narrow 3-2 win.

Prior to the last meeting, Bradford had shipped seven goals in their previous two games but Altrincham will face a different beast at the J. Davidson Stadium tomorrow. Mark Bower’s side have tightened their backline significantly, keeping two consecutive clean sheets on the road against Darlington and Alfreton Town.

Altrincham progressed into the Third Qualifying round of the competition with a convincing disposal of Whitley Bay, finding the back of the net on five occasions with no reply from their opponents. Bradford’s test was considerably sterner but they advanced regardless, edging past Darlington with a 1-0 victory.

Despite impressing in the Second Qualifying Round, Phil Parkinson’s side head into the clash with Bradford on the back of a defeat to Kidderminster Harriers. Three first-half strikes from the Harriers helped see off the Robins, who failed to mount a comeback despite a flurry of late chances.

Mark Bower is well aware of the threat Altrincham pose but claims that his side are confident ahead of the game:

“You’ve got to take each game on its merits, both teams know each other well, we only played each other a couple of weeks ago and I’m sure they’ll have a plan for us and we’ve got to have a plan for them. It’s a difficult tie away from home, we saw how Altrincham are and they pushed Kidderminster all the way in their last game. But the lads are confident, we’ll go and give it everything we’ve got and hopefully we’ll get that bit of luck that seems to elude us in cup competitions and hopefully get into the fourth qualifying round.”

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:

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 eight occasions already this season, 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. Hulme worked with management duo Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson at Ramsbottom United and Salford City before making the move to Moss Lane in July 2017.

Coverage: @BPAFCOfficial on Twitter (live text commentary)

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5 Oct 2018

Manarama National League North – September Manager & Player Of The Month

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Jason Ainsley (Spennymoor Town)

Jason Ainsley may have been in charge for 12 years, but even he won’t have had too many months better than the last. After an unconvincing August, he masterminded a Spennymoor Town revival in September.

Now fourth in the National League North, Town actually started last month slowly with a 1-1 draw against Southport.

That proved to be a spark as they secured maximum points after that, starting with a 2-0 win over Leamington, followed by a 3-1 victory versus Nuneaton Borough.

Perhaps their best performance and result of the season came against Hereford last weekend. Ainsley said the 3-0 away win against the Bulls would live long in the memory.

The National League’s longest serving manager was quoted earlier in the month saying: “we are always likely to score goals”.

How right he was. They averaged over two goals per game in their September fixtures and are now the third highest scoring side in the division.

MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Ed Williams (Kidderminster Harriers)

What a month it’s been for Harriers’ midfield maestro Ed Williams.

With Kidderminster sitting proudly in second, the 23-year-old’s form also piqued the interest of England C manager Paul Fairclough, who selected Williams for their upcoming friendlies this month.

Harriers may have lost for the first time this season during the past few weeks, but elsewhere it’s been a perfect month. An impressive 12 points from 15 has been backed up with a resounding win in the FA Cup.

Williams has more than contributed with six goals in five games throughout September, the summer signing has helped his side to wins against Blyth Spartans and Altrincham, along with a crucial goal as they eased York City aside.

But the stand-out moment has to be an incredible solo effort against Boston United – picking up the ball before beating two defenders and firing low past the Pilgrims’ keeper.

MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Roy Hackford (Boston United)

Roy Hackford has won Volunteer of the Month for Boston United in the National League North.

Roy is invaluable to the football club and performs many voluntary tasks every season. On home matchdays, Roy acts as a host of the Boardroom and welcomes all visiting Club Directors and guests, making sure their needs are met.

He is very influential around the club on non-matchdays too, carrying out the maintenance tasks that are required to keep the stadium up-and-running and, during the last two summers, has overseen a re-paint of the whole stadium.

On away match days, he helps to transport kit and equipment and helps other volunteers to meet the team coach.

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3 Oct 2018

Altrincham FC Away Travel

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

The club are running a supporters coach to Altrincham FC Saturday 6th October 2018 and due to popular demand a bigger coach has been booked. Prices for seats have also been reduced to £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s.

To book your seat please call Neil Fawcett on 07811 959003

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29 Sep 2018

Branson Header Sinks Alfreton

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) picked up their second consecutive win with a narrow victory over Alfreton Town, which saw Mark Bower’s side jump to third in the league table.

Conor Branson scored the only goal of the game in the 71st minute, causing Billy Heath’s side to plummet out of the play-off places.

Chances were few and far between in the first-half and neither goalkeeper faced stern tests. However, Alfreton players did had appeals for a penalty dismissed after Steven Drench collided with Richard Peniket whilst contesting a high ball.

In the opening twenty-five minutes, speculative shots from distance were all either side could muster but Bradford eventually had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Ben McKenna delivered from deep towards Branson, who headed back across goal but could only watch as Shane Killock volleyed over the crossbar.

The miss seemed to light a spark in both sides and the game livened up as half-time approached. Declan Bacon found Richard Peniket with an in-swinging cross but the forward skewed wide under pressure from Killock.

Jake Beesley reached the byline and pulled back to Nicky Clee, who blasted over the crossbar from just inside the 18-yard box.

After missing an opportunity just eight minutes prior, Peniket turned provider but Jordan Sinnott sent a volley wide after connecting with the forward’s cross.

A corner routine taken straight from the training ground opened up space for Nathan Hotte to shoot from the edge of the box but Beesley’s deflection took the ball over the crossbar and into the stand behind the goal.

With three minutes remaining until the interval, Bacon picked out Sinnott with an inch-perfect delivery from the let but the former Chesterfield man headed wide.

HALF-TIME: Alfreton Town 0-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

A bizarre incident took place just three minutes after the restart, when Reds goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom blatantly picked up a pass from defender Josh Gowling. Controversy followed as the referee refused to blow his whistle, causing an incensed Mark Bower to vent his frustration on the touchline.

In the early stages of the second-half, the teams cancelled each other out and both defended admirably, stifling any attempts to attack.

The first clear-cut opportunity of the half fell to Alfreton substitute Callum Chettle, who was denied by Drench after weaving his way past Danny Lowe.

Bradford were provided with two injections of energy as the game approached its final twenty minutes and the introductions of Jamie Spencer and Lewis Knight were the catalysts for an increase in the visitors’ tempo.

The tireless running of forward Beesley had given Alfreton defenders headaches throughout the game but he squandered an opportunity to edge Bradford ahead in the 68th minute. McKenna’s lofted pass landed at his feet and the loanee rounded Ramsbottom, but failed to convert with the net vacated.

His blushes were spared just minutes later, as Branson connected with a corner delivery from Nicky Wroe and powered a header past a helpless Ramsbottom.

The hosts failed to carve open Bradford’s defence in the late stages, despite being in desperate need of an equaliser. Nathan Hotte sent a long-range effort sailing wide and Josh Wilde lashed over from around 25-yards out.

FULL-TIME: Alfreton Town 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Alfreton Town: Ramsbottom, Clackstone (Clifton 79′), Wilde, Hotte, Gowling, Shiels (c), Bateson, Johnson, Bacon (Clarke 89′), Peniket, Sinnott.

Unused substitutes: Nicholson, Platt.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Nowakowski 83′), Killock (c), Havern, McKenna, Branson, Beesley, Dawson (Spencer 65′), Clee (Knight 67′).

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Boshell.

Referee: Matt Corlett

Attendance: 487

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