2 Feb 2018

Vanarama National League – January Manager & Player Of The Month

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VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Mark Yates – Solihull Moors

Solihull Moors boss Mark Yates (pictured right) has taken to life back in the Vanarama National League like a duck to water.

The side began 2018 bottom of the fifth-tier, with a worrying seven points separating them from safety.

But a confidence-boosting victory over Maidenhead United, followed by a goalless draw at league leaders Macclesfield Town helped put the Moors’ survival bid back on track.

Free-scoring Solihull fired six goals in two further wins against Woking and Dagenham & Redbridge to cut the gap to safety to just a point.

With Yates now establishing himself at The ATG Stadium with assistant Tim Flowers (pictured left), all eyes will be on the Moors heading into the survival run-in.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Sam Wood – Eastleigh

It’s been a great month for Eastleigh on the field, but a tough one off it.

Last week it was announced club founder Derik Brooks had passed away.

The Spitfires, however, have been in fine form in January, winning all four matches and moving into the top half of the Vanarama National League table.

Former Brentford and Wycombe Wanderers man Sam Wood has played an important role from left-back and with his pinpoint delivery from set-pieces and wide positions.

With key contributions at both ends of the pitch, Wood earns the accolade for January 2018.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Jason Ainsley – Spennymoor Town

It may be the first season for Spennymoor Town in the Vanarama National League North, but the side from County Durham are making an excellent impression.

While sitting fourth in the table, Ainsley has also masterminded a strong challenge in the FA Trophy, beating Solihull Moors to reach the final 16 of the competition.

League wise, Spenny faced several of their rivals for a place in the top seven, managing victories over Blyth Spartans and Bradford Park Avenue to start the month.

A creditable draw at Bootham Crescent versus York City- a side four divisions above them just two seasons ago- and the home defeat of Tamworth concluded a strong January for the new boys in the sixth-tier.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Shane Byrne – Brackley Town

Victory over top of the table Salford City in their final match in January showed just why Brackley Town have been tough to beat and score against this campaign.

Shane Byrne- a tough tackling Irishman at the heart of the Saints midfielder- has been an important part of Kevin Wilkin’s  side, unbeaten during the opening month of 2018.

January began with four points in matches against Nuneaton Town and Leamington, before Brackley dealt well with a long midweek trip up to Barrow, coming away with a fairly comfortable 2-0 win in an FA Trophy replay.

Two further results in the aforementioned victory against Salford and at Tamworth put Brackley in a commanding position towards the top of the Vanarama National League North.

The midfielder’s stand out influence since the New Year earns him the award.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Tony Burman – Dartford

An unbeaten January has maintained Dartford’s position at the top of the Vanarama National League South.

Tony Burman will be hoping to add a fourth promotion with the club to his CV after a fine start to season for the Darts, with a three point lead over their nearest challengers.

The table toppers won all three home matches during the first month of 2018, including a strong Havant & Waterlooville outfit plus Whitehawk, who were unbeaten during January up until that point.

After narrowly missing out in the play-off semi-finals last season for promotion to the fifth-tier, Burman and co will be driven to make amends this time around.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Gold Omotayo – Whitehawk

The end of 2017 was one to forget for Whitehawk.

Without a win in the opening 23 matches and a 19 point gap from safety, some thought the writing was already on the wall for Steve King’s men.

But the Hawks seem to have struck gold with their new star man Gold Omotayo, a Swiss-born striker making quite a name for himself in the National League game, scoring five goals in as many games this month.

A brace for the 24-year-old earnt Whitehawk a first league victory of the season at Eastbourne Borough on New Year’s Day.

Goals in matches against Truro City and at Oxford City both proved to be winners, and have provided the Hawks a glimmer of hope in their battle against the drop.

Could this be the kick-start to one of the greatest of all escapes?

 

 

   

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1 Feb 2018

Match Preview: Salford City Vs Bradford Park Avenue Saturday 3rd February 2018

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Avenue will be targeting a scalp over league leaders Salford City after enduring a winless January.

Mark Bower’s side haven’t tasted victory since Boxing Day, when a late rally saw off Curzon Ashton and fans were treated to a sublime solo effort from Wayne Brooksby.

Brooksby’s hamstring troubles mean he is unlikely to feature against the table-toppers, and Mark Ross is also a doubt having missed out on last week’s draw against Nuneaton Town. New signings Antoine Remi Recizac and Adam Smith, however, could be in line to feature with the latter having made his Avenue debut in last week’s goalless draw. Goalkeeper Ed Hall is available after featuring for Yorkshire last Sunday.

A positive result for Avenue on Saturday could provide a favour for Yorkshire rivals Harrogate Town, who still trail Salford by four points despite their title rivals slipping up against Brackley Town last week.

Prior to the Brackley defeat, Salford had won three consecutive league games, with former Barnsley marksman Mike Phenix notching in two of the three victories.

Goalkeeper Max Crocombe was the centre of controversy in Salford’s last meeting with Avenue, and he is likely to start having not missed a game since mid-November.

Salford’s squad has been bolstered since their visit to the Horsfall last October, with midfielders Tom Walker and Nick Haughton penning deals with the club in January. Walker joined from National League North rivals FC United of Manchester, and Haughton returns for his third stint with Salford having enjoyed two loan spells at the club whilst on the books of Fleetwood Town. 

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1 Feb 2018

Horsfall College Of Sport Application Form

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Following the recent exciting news that the sports academy will be re-locating to the Horsfall Stadium, we are now pleased to announce that we are 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 Rugby (both codes) and Football.

Students will study for a BTEC Level 2 or 3 dependent on their academic qualifications. Students can expect professionally delivered training and education, healthy learning environment, regular evaluation and feedback from coaches, support and encouragement during their time at the academy, and advice on future career progression.

Our aim is to improve and develop young players through challenging, enjoyable, and energetic training sessions. This will help develop the players tactical knowledge, and game understanding.

We are now accepting application forms for September 2018 so for further information and an application form please contact:

Rob Stanley – info@horsfallcollege.com

Alex Meechan – meeks80@tiscali.com

Alternatively please click on the link below to download an application form:

Horsfall College Of Sport Application Form

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30 Jan 2018

Horsfall College of Sport Launches New Programme At Go Higher Event

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On Friday 2nd February 2018, the Horsfall College of Sport will be attending the exciting Go Higher Education Evening from 6.00 – 7.30pm at Sedburgh Youth and Community centre.

The new college will offer football and rugby for male and female students aged 16-18 years. The students will study BTEC Level 2 or 3.

Alex Meechan, Academy manager said ‘We are delighted to attend our first event to launch of our new College of Sport which starts in September 2018 and it will be based at Horsfall stadium . Our programme will offer young people in Bradford an excellent sport and career pathway with qualified coaches’. ‘ We wish to encourage young people to book a place on our trial session on Friday 16th February at 10.30am at Horsfall stadium’.

As part of the SAY #iwill (“Social Action for Youths”) project for anyone wanting to find out more about studying at university; learning about college and apprenticeships or finding out about work experience or volunteering opportunities.

Go Higher West Yorkshire and the Sedbergh Youth & Community Centre will introduce a number of guests and stalls with representatives from Bradford College, Bradford Park Avenue Community Football Club, Calderdale College, Leeds Arts University, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City College, Leeds College of Building, University of Huddersfield and University of Leeds.

Tickets for the free event are available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/higher-education-information-evening-tickets-42232928827 or people can turn up on the night.

Horsfall College of Sport are now accepting applications from new students. Please click on the link below to download the form.

Horsfall College of Sport Application Form

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30 Jan 2018

Gaffers Notes: Salford City Vs Bradford Park Avenue Saturday 3rd February

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I was pleased in the end to take a point from the game at Nuneaton last weekend. When you’re down to 10 men, away from home, against a team in good form, you’ve got to be happy with a clean sheet. Whilst it was not the perfect defensive performance, there was plenty of effort and desire in the team to keep our clean sheet, especially after the red card and after conceding some poor goals recently. It was frustrating however that we were unable to create more in the game as we had plenty ball in the final third but our final pass or decision let us down on too many occasions.

We have a big weekend coming up with games on Saturday and Monday. We visit Salford on Saturday who sit top of the league. They have a good mix of quality, physical strength and ‘know how’ and as we enter in to the business end of the season where the pitches are difficult to play good football on, they have all the tools to go on and finish the season as champions. They have shown their quality at times this season with some big wins, but they’ve also come out on top in many tight games to win by the odd goal as we found out in the reverse fixture at Horsfall. They have strength in depth and can call on some excellent players not only in their starting 11, but off the bench also. They’re clearly on the rise and with the investment they’ve made in their squad and stadium, they don’t intend hanging around in our division for too long, but I’m confident that if we produce what we are capable of, we can go there and get a positive result.

Adam Smith joined us last week. He’s similar to one or two we already have in our squad who have suffered from injuries over the past few years which has restricted his game time, but if we can get him match fit, he can have a big part to play for the rest of the season.

Cheers

Mark

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29 Jan 2018

Horsfall College Of Sport Open Trials – Friday 16th February 2018

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Horsfall College Of Sport are pleased to announce the first open trial for students interested in joining the College in September 2018.

The day will begin at 10.30am with a short presentation (parents welcome) followed by a training session (please bring suitable kit). The Open Day will be held at The Horsfall Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, BD6 2NG

To register your interest, please contact one of the following stating which sport (Football/Rugby):

info@horsfallcollege.com

Rob Stanley – rob.stanley1007@gmail.com

Alex Meechan – meeks80@tiscali.com

 

 

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28 Jan 2018

Avenue’s Ed Hall Shines On International Stage

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Avenue’s Ed Hall shines on international stage.

Avenue goalkeeper Ed Hall completed 90 minutes for Yorkshire’s newly-formed side as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ellan Vannin of the Isle of Man.

Ed received the call-up alongside Brighouse Town’s George Clarke, but it was the Avenue stopper that earned a place in the starting line-up for Yorkshire’s first ever international fixture.

The game was an entertaining affair, and it was certainly a busy day at the office for both goalkeepers.

Ed made a string of impressive saves to keep the score level in the first-half, making two particularly stunning stops to deny Dan Bell and Ciaran McNulty.

Yorkshire fell behind to a Furo Davies strike just three minutes after the restart, but Penistone Church’s Jordan Coduri levelled proceedings six minutes later.

Ellan Vannin had chances to notch the winner in the game’s latter stages, but Ed proved impossible to beat as he denied Rhys Oates and Joey Quayle.

The game finished 1-1, and Ed will be hoping that his fantastic display sees him receive the nod ahead of Yorkshire’s next fixture.

He will link back up with Mark Bower’s squad this week and is available to feature on Saturday when we visit high-flying Salford City.

Congratulations, Ed!

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27 Jan 2018

Match Report: Nuneaton Town 0-0 Bradford Park Avenue

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Avenue survive Boro rally to earn point

Bradford Park Avenue picked up a valuable point at the LDJ Solicitors Stadium, holding Nuneaton Town to a 0-0 draw despite being reduced to ten men in the second-half.

Ryan Toulson made his long-awaited return to action after a lengthy battle with injury to replace the injured Mark Ross at right-back, and Danny Boshell was drafted into the starting eleven due to the absence of Wayne Brooksby. New signing Adam Smith was named as a substitute having finalised the terms of his move to the club yesterday.

Neither side found their rhythm in the early stages of the match, but there was a reason to protest barely three minutes in. Nicky Clee split the Nuneaton defence open with a through-ball that eventually overran, but goalkeeper Dean Lyness appeared to have handled the ball outside of the area when collecting. Nevertheless, the referee ignored the appeals of Avenue players and waved play on.

Half-chances came in the form of tame efforts from Clee and Oli Johnson, with the latter seeing his shot held comfortably by Lyness, and Clee firing wide.

The best chance of a relatively mundane opening 25 minutes fell to the hosts, with Tom Elliott’s deflected effort from a tight angle coming very close to finding a way past Steven Drench.

Nuneaton grew in confidence as the half progressed, and Jordan Nicholson rattled the crossbar with a well-struck attempt. This was quickly followed by a golden opportunity for Ashley Chambers to open the scoring after Elliott squared, but Shane Killock flew across to make a sensational block and deny the hosts.

The dangerous Daniel Nti was a persistent threat to Avenue’s backline, but saw his drilled effort tipped over the crossbar by Drench in impressive fashion.

Both Avenue and Nuneaton flew out of the blocks after the interval, with both sets of players desperate to notch and edge their sides ahead. James Ferry and Nicky Wroe were the first to arrow shots goalward, but both saw their frustrations heightened with failure to hit the target.

The encounter soon became an end-to-end affair, and Adam Boyes will rue his missed opportunity for days to come after he volleyed over from a Jamie Spencer cross. Clee also came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, forcing Lyness to pluck his dipping free-kick out of the top corner.

Mark Bower heaped praise upon the performance of goalkeeper Drench after the game, and rightfully so with the goalkeeper clawing away two dangerous strikes from Nti in a matter of minutes.

Avenue, however, suffered a devastating blow when Danny Boshell received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Boshell was penalised for two second-half fouls that saw him take an early bath for the second time this season.

Pressure mounted upon the visitors after the sending off, as Nuneaton piled forward in droves in an attempt to capitalise upon their man advantage.

Despite losing Boshell, Avenue’s backline remained sturdy. Killock gave a masterclass in the art of dogged defending, and Drench palmed away every effort that was fired his way.

Avenue managed to survive the Boro onslaught, and supporters even caught a glimpse of new signing Adam Smith in added time before the referee blew his whistle.

Mark Bower’s play-off chasers face what could prove to be an even sterner test next week, taking on table-toppers Salford City at the Peninsula Stadium.

Nuneaton Town: Lyness, Wildin, Heaton, Elliott, Johnson, Digie, Ferry, Beswick, Chambers, Nicholson, Nti.

Unused substitutes: Etheridge, Dielna, Mitchell, Ashton.

Bradford Park Avenue: Drench, Toulson, Hill, Wroe (c), Killock, Havern, Spencer, Boshell, Boyes (Smith 90+3’), Johnson (Nowakowski 81’), Clee (Vidal 75’).

Unused substitutes: Hall, Knight.

Booked: Clee, Killock, Havern, Boshell (Avenue), Beswick (Nuneaton)

Sent off: Boshell (Avenue)

Referee: Thomas Kirk

 

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