If you can’t make it to Alfreton today then be sure to tune into today’s live match commentary, broadcast from our new Mixlr account, BPAFC.
You can join our commentary team at 14:55 at the following link: http://mixlr.com/bpafc/
Match Preview – Alfreton Town
Bradford (Park Avenue) look to carry momentum from a first point of the season with a trip to Alfreton Town this Saturday.
Marcus Law’s Avenue notched their first point on the board with a 1-1 draw at Gateshead on Tuesday evening.
Lewis Knight scored the club’s first goal of the season in the draw, finding the top corner on the end of an Elliott Holmes cross.
Law will be looking for his side to take some momentum from a positive result and performance, and he has strengthened his squad with the signing of experienced goalkeeper Rhys Taylor.
Hull City loanee Charlie Andrew returned to his parent club to allow the manager to bring in a more experienced number one, something he has expressed his desire to do throughout the team.
Former Bradford defenders Ryan Qualter and Shane Killock are among the familiar faces throughout an Alfreton squad which has won one and drawn one of its four games so far this season.
And Avenue return to North Street with a good record, having won on every visit since their relegation from the National League in 2015.
A second-half Connor Branson goal saw Avenue nick a 1-0 victory last September, before a 1-1 draw when the sides last met at Horsfall in April.
BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) SECURE THE SIGNING OF PACEY FORWARD ROD ORLANDO YOUNG
Bradford (Park Avenue) can announce the signing of exciting striker Rod Orlando Young.
Young began his career at Exeter City’s academy where he impressed enough to earn a move at age 17 to Norwich where he helped Norwich under 18’s to win the youth FA cup.
Throughout his career, Young has made a number of National League appearances most notably with Welling United.
Speaking exclusively to bpafc.com, the former Norwich man described himself as a ‘tricky’ forward and promises to be a handful for defenders saying “I bring with me a lot of pace and trickery. I like to take on defenders and create opportunities for myself and my teammates.”
When asked what he was looking forward to most about joining Avenue, Young said:
“Meeting and getting to know the fans, they are the most important part of any club, especially at this level.”
On the move, manager, Marcus Law commented, “Rod’s a pacey attacking player and we feel he can bring a lot to the team. It is an area we have been looking at closely as we need to turn around the goal deficit if we are to progress in this league.”
The National League Celebrates 40 Years
This weekend, The National League celebrates it’s 40th anniversary, since the first fixtures took place in the then-called Alliance Premier League.
An allocation of 20 Clubs made up the fifth tier, with Altrincham claiming the title in the inaugural season.
The Noel Kelly trophy- named after the former Nuneaton Borough Chairman- remained at Moss Lane at the end of the first two campaigns.
The pyramid shaped trophy represented a transition to the structure of Non-League football, which has been integral in shaping the game in this country.
With automatic promotion introduced from 1987, even the smallest Clubs could dream of a meteoric rise into the Football League and beyond.
Football power-brokers Jim Thompson and Noel White, who sadly passed away recently, were just two of a number of key people who influenced this ground-breaking change- and many others, like the influential Bill King, Peter Hunter and current President Brian Lee, have tirelessly steered the League through its many adventures over the past four decades.
The addition of the play-offs in 2003, then the North and South divisions a year later, has added a new dimension to the competition and created more wonderful memories.
Not only has the league had three titles, with the Football Conference in use for nearly 30 years, there has also been a total of six title sponsors. All of which have helped create an identity for the competition, as we know it today.
From a football perspective, there has been a huge number of significant moments throughout The National League’s history.
Wealdstone became the first Club to win the “Non-League double” of league title and FA Trophy success back in 1985. Colchester United matched this achievement in 1992, then Martin O’Neill’s Wycombe Wanderers the following season.
Many managers and players have gone onto have hugely successful careers in the game. Similar to O’Neill, the likes of Neil Warnock, Jamie Vardy and Joe Hart have made their mark at the top level.
And who can forget the more recent FA Cup runs of Lincoln City and Sutton United just over two years ago? Managers Danny Cowley and Paul Doswell performed heroics with their respective sides, showcasing their efforts in front of global audiences.
Our current commercial partnerships with Vanarama, LV Bet and BT Sport are flourishing, and the estimated money generated by the season-long competition is now at over £80 million.
From small acorns, The National League has become a well-established part of English football- and its profile is growing season-by-season. Extensive live matchday TV coverage on BT Sport and a greater awareness of our three divisions across the breadth of both traditional and modern media continues to grow.
Last season, over two million spectators attended our matches. It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many people coming through the turnstiles at our Football Clubs, the heartbeats of their communities. The figure is substantially larger than a decade ago.
Most importantly our competition remains friendly, welcoming and open to all. It is a National League but with wonderful Local Values.
Happy Birthday! And here’s to the next forty years.
Picture by Shane Healey.
Avenue Secure Experienced Stopper, Rhys Taylor
Bradford (Park Avenue) have today secured the signing of experienced goalkeeper Rhys Taylor.
Taylor arrives at the Horsfall Stadium with a wealth of experience having played over 260 senior games throughout his career, including a number of seasons in the Football League. The veteran stopper is no stranger to the National League North however, as he made after made 34 appearances in 2016/17 for the then champions AFC Fylde.
When asked what attracted him to Bradford (Park Avenue), Taylor stated,
“I’ve known Lee (Fowler) for a while now and he’s a great guy. When he told me his and Marcus’s plans and aspirations for the team I liked what I heard. It’s something I want to be a part of.”
Continuing on, Taylor explained what he could bring to the club,
“Experience and Clean Sheets. If I do my job, that allows the lads in front of me to focus on their’s and score the goals that put points on the board.”
Taylor started his senior career with Chelsea but saw his first senior appearance on loan to Crewe Alexandra in League Two, where he quickly became their first choice keeper.
First team manager, Marcus Law explained what attracted him to Taylor,
“It’s important to have good communicators and leaders at the back and with his wealth of experience, that’s something that Rhys can bring to the table.
“Game management is vital to winning. If we get that right, the rest will start to fall into place.”
Avenue place on record their ‘Thanks’ to Charlie Andrew as the young keeper returns to Hull City
The club can confirm that Charlie Andrew’s loan spell at Horsfall Stadium has come to an end.
Andrew joined Avenue in January 2019 and has impressed whilst with the club. A club spokesman said,
“Everyone would like to thank Charlie for his hard work and determination during his time at Horsfall Stadium and we hope his loan spell with Bradford has provided him with valuable experience that will help him build his career.
“We’d also like to thank Hull City for allowing the club the use of Charlie over the course of this and last season.”
Regarding the loan, Marcus Law added,
“It’s been a tough decision to make but ultimately I think it’s the right one for all parties involved. He has great potential but at this stage we feel that we need to bring someone with experience in that can marshall the back line. With the recent run of results it would not have been beneficial for Charlie to continue at this stage in his development. He needs a more positive environment to ply his trade.“
“I had a chat with Hull City and they agree and will look to place Charlie at another club soon.”
Photo Credit: Tom Pearson.
Avenue offer condolences to Crichlow-Noble
All at Bradford (Park Avenue) are saddened to hear of the passing of Natalie Crichlow, Mother of former loan player, Romoney Crichlow-Noble.
As a club and as individuals, we all offer our condolences to Romoney and his family on this tragic news.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise funds to help the family. If you would like to make a donation, please click the link below:
The option for professional Rugby League to stay in Bradford is still alive insists Avenue owner
With the news that Bradford Bulls are leaving the City, Bradford (Park Avenue) owner Gareth Roberts has vowed to keep his offer open to still host the Rugby League team at Horsfall stadium if a deal can still be struck – but only for a limited period of time.
Roberts has publicly backed the idea of the Bulls remaining in Bradford and was involved in advanced talks about ground sharing. However after today’s announcement he admitted his ‘disappointment’ for Bulls supporters and the City in general that the club would be leaving Odsal after nearly 90 years of playing at the stadium.
Roberts said, “I think the move is a crying shame for both Bulls supporters and the sport loving community of Bradford. I respect the Bulls’ decision because running a professional sports club is expensive, but we believed we offered a viable alternative. This is a sad day for Bradford but we will keep the option for them to ground share with us open as long as we can. After that we’ll look to set up a new professional club to keep Rugby League alive and well in a BD postcode. If that happens we’ll continue with our commitment to making Bradford a ‘Sporting City’!
“In my lifetime I have seen Bradford go from a truly great City of sport with two professional football teams, a first class county cricket ground and a Rugby League team that were once World Club Champions, to a place that is clinging onto its sporting heritage.
“We applaud Bradford City for what they have achieved in recent years but the Bulls leaving means Bradfordians have slim pickings if they want to watch professional sport.”
For a while, both Park Avenue and the Bulls had forged close links and even experimented with numerous cost saving operational exercises over the last year.
Avenue are close to obtaining a 35-year lease on Horsfall playing fields from the council and already are well underway with planned improvements in the stadium. The Bulls’ decision to move to play in Dewsbury will leave a vacuum that Roberts believes can be filled and confirmed that conversations have already been had about setting up a new Rugby League club.
Further details of the new club and membership will be announced in due course.
The Vanarama First Four – what it all means for Bradford (Park Avenue)
League sponsors Vanarama have been busy assessing the season so far – and what’s to come!
Story so far…
New boss Garry Thompson lasted just two games in charge after picking up the baton from Mark Bower. Both his games at the helm ended in humiliating 5-0 defeats which were soon followed by a 3-0 reverse to Kidderminster Harriers. However, new manager Marcus Law seems to have stopped the rot after a credible draw with Gateshead on Tuesday night.
From the dugout…
Marcus Law watched his side lose their third game on the spin but insisted he saw a squad of players who were “committed and open-minded.” Law also spoke about how he is desperate to get the players’ confidence back after tough start.
Biggest result so far…
Tuesday night’s draw with Gateshead was significant. Not only was it their first point on the board but to fight back from a goal down when confidence is in short supply is a show of the right mentality that is sure to get the fans back on side sooner or later.
Stat attack…
League position: 21st
Home goals for: 0
Away goals for: 1
Home goals against: 8
Away goals against: 6
Top scorer: Lewis Knight (1)
What the fans say…
Ian Collier (@IanC0llier2) didn’t want to start pointing the finger as he believes the endeavour was there despite falling to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Kidderminster Harriers. He said: “no criticising the effort of the side today but like rabbits in headlights.”
Next up…
It’s another away day to what so far to what has been a very unpredictable Alfreton Town side. With things seemingly moving in the right direction for the Avenue and Alfreton Town looking strong at home, this one could get exciting.
Their one to watch….
Bobby Johnson can pop-up anywhere and nail you when you least expect it. A key cog in the Billy Heath Alfreton machine, Johnson is tireless and is capable of giving any defence the runaround.
Last time out….
All-square last time the two met back in March with Gianluca Havern snatching a late equaliser for the Avenue. One encouraging stat however will be that Bradford haven’t lost at the Impact Arena since 2004 – winning all four meetings at the Reds’ home since.
League sponsors Vanarama have recently launched the National League Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Mototama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback!
For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.
Photo Credit: Tom Pearson
Match Report: Gateshead 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)
A much improved Avenue battle back from a one goal deficit to notch their first point of the 2019/20 season.
Bradford Park Avenue made the 225 mile round trip to the Gateshead International Stadium in their fourth game of the 2019/20 season, the second of interim manager, Marcus Law’s regime, which saw the Avenue score their first goal and earn their first point of the season.
Bradford were determined to make a strong impact, which they did. French centre-back Nelson Digbeu came dangerously close to hitting the back of the net in only the 6th minute with a headed effort that was well saved by Brad James.
This attempt on goal only proved to spur on the home side who for the next fifteen minutes dominated the lion’s share of possession and attacking play.
In the 32nd minute Gateshead’s patience was rewarded, with JJ O’Donnell slipping past the static Bradford defence to poke in a low-crossed effort from Nicky Deverdics.
Refusing to accept defeat, the energetic visitors pulled themselves together and gave an inspiring performance until the half time whistle sounded.
Second Half
Park Avenue emerged from the tunnel refreshed from the break to lay on the pressure. However they were initially unable to capitalise on the pressure due to some determined defending and a number of dangerous attacking runs being deemed offside.
However, the visitors finally got the reward. In the 59th minute Elliot Holmes crossed to the edge of the box, a perfectly weighted centre found Lewis Knight, who had no trouble firmly putting the bell into the top right corner to score Bradford’s opening goal of the season.
Lewis’s inspiring opening goal visibly increased the squad’s morale and confidence with Alex Hurst coming devastatingly close to putting Park Avenue ahead with a strike from 30 yards out, which took a deflection off a Gateshead defender and was frantically cleared.
Bradford’s attacking domination slowed to a halt going into the last 15 minutes of open play. Moran received a yellow card and Gateshead took advantage of the careful defending and proceeded to bombard Jack Bennett’s area with a litany of crosses that challenged the away side’s defensive resolve. However the young goalkeeper, (a product of American partner club Nebraska Bugeaters) on his League debut had a solid first outing.
Bradford successfully defended the scoreline until the 94th minute, where Greg Olley was taken out on the left flank with a late tackle from Ben Hedley. Bennett was called into action for the last time, athletically punching out the dangerous ball as it pierced the Bradford box.
Teams
Gateshead
Brad James
Alex Nicholson
Scott Barrow
Connor Oliver
Toby Lees
Mike Williamson
Nicky Deverdics
Liam Agnew
Josh Kayode
Greg Olley
JJ O’Donnell
Subs
Connor Thomson
Sam Guthrie
Danny Greenfield
Jordan Preston
Elliot Forbes
Bradford (Park Avenue)
Jack Bennett (GK)
Ben Hedley
Akeem Hinds
Mitchell Lund
Jon Moran
Nelson Digbeu
Isaac Marriott
Elliot Holmes
Zayn Hakeem
Lewis Knight
Alex Hurst
Subs
Amos Kabeya
Charlie Andrew
Sam Wright
Jake Croft
Matty Clarke
Attendance 1001
Match Officials
Referee: Paul Brown
Assistants: James Bancroft & Adam Nichol
Photo Credit: Charlie Waugh