Bradford (Park Avenue) and Brighouse Town shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Horsfall Stadium in a match where neither side managed to fully impose themselves.

The game started with early opportunities for Avenue, with Colville’s scuffed shot and Sykes’ effort going over the bar. Brighouse had their chances too, but it wasn’t until late in the first half that they managed to take the lead, exposing some vulnerabilities in Avenue’s defence.

The second half saw Bradford (Park Avenue) push for an equalizer, and they were handed a chance to level the score with a penalty in the 55th minute.

However, Shanks was unable to convert, as his spot-kick was saved by the Brighouse keeper.

Despite this setback, Dan Francis managed to bring Avenue level just minutes later with a goal that offered some relief to the home side.

As the match wore on, both teams struggled to find the decisive goal. Bradford made a couple of substitutions in an attempt to break the deadlock, but Brighouse’s defense held firm, frustrating the home side.

Avenue’s inability to capitalize on their chances, combined with Brighouse’s resilient defending, meant that the game ended in a draw, a result that neither side will be entirely satisfied with.

The match reflected a struggle for consistency, with Avenue showing moments of promise but ultimately failing to secure the three points.

This result leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) with plenty to think about as they prepare for their next fixture.

Attendance: 385

Next Fixture:

Bradford (Park Avenue) returns to action on Bank Holiday Monday, hosting Liversedge at Horsfall Stadium. Kick-off at 3:00 PM.

Admission: £13 Adults | £10 Concessions | £5 Students/Blue Light/Armed Forces | £3 Youth | £1 U12s

Bradford (Park Avenue) is set to welcome local rivals Brighouse Town to Horsfall Stadium tomorrow night (Tuesday 20th) for an eagerly anticipated Northern Premier League East clash.

After a disappointing FA Cup exit over the weekend, Avenue will be keen to bounce back and secure three vital points in the league.

Bradford (Park Avenue) has had a mixed start to the season, and tomorrow’s match presents an opportunity to regain momentum and get back on track in their league campaign.

The team has shown glimpses of their potential, but consistency has been elusive. Head Coach Danny Whitaker will be looking for a strong response from his squad, emphasising the importance of playing with intensity from the first whistle to the last.

Brighouse Town, who have also had a challenging start to the season, will arrive at Horsfall Stadium determined to make their mark. Local derbies are always fiercely contested, and this match is likely to be no different.

With both teams looking to climb the league table, the stakes are high. Bradford (Park Avenue) will need to be at their best to secure a positive result and give the home fans something to cheer about. The support from the stands will be crucial, as Horsfall Stadium looks to become a fortress where opponents find it difficult to come away with points.

Match Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 20th August 2024
• Kick-off: 7:45 PM
• Venue: Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG

Admission:

• Adults: £13
• Concessions: £10
• Students/Blue Light/Armed Forces: £5
• Youth: £3
• U12s: £1

Make sure to come down and support the lads in what promises to be a thrilling encounter under the lights. Your presence and support can make all the difference as Bradford (Park Avenue) aims to claim a crucial victory against their local rivals.

Bradford (Park Avenue) were eliminated from the FA Cup in today’s Preliminary Round clash, suffering a 3-2 defeat against Stocksbridge Park Steels at Horsfall Stadium.

The visitors started strong, with Alex Hardwick finding the net in just the 5th minute after some clever play allowed him to turn and fire past Craig Ellison at the near post. Stocksbridge nearly doubled their lead in the 10th minute, but Hardwick’s effort, after a two-on-one situation, went wide.

Avenue began to grow into the game, earning a corner in the 16th minute through good work from Harry Colville and Dan Francis. Despite Bradford’s increasing pressure, including a dangerous free-kick in the 27th minute and a goalmouth scramble in the 28th that Avenue players believed had crossed the line, the equalizer remained elusive.

Just minutes later, Colville set up Dan Francis for a golden opportunity, but the latter fired over the bar, missing a crucial chance to level the score. Stocksbridge capitalized on Bradford’s missed opportunities, doubling their lead in the 41st minute when Danny Deakin backheeled the ball into the net, leaving Avenue with work to do in the second half.

Bradford came out more ambitious after the break, pushing to get back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 76th minute when headed one over the Stocksbridge keeper, reducing the deficit and reigniting the home crowd’s hopes.

However, Stocksbridge responded in stoppage time, with Joao Silva breaking through to curl the ball around Ellison, making it 3-1. Despite a late goal from Connor Shanks deep into added time to make it 3-2, it was too little, too late for Bradford (Park Avenue).

The defeat marks a disappointing exit from the FA Cup, as Stocksbridge Park Steels secured their place in the next round.

Bradford will now shift their focus back to the league, with a home fixture against Brighouse Town at Horsfall Stadium on Tuesday, 20th August, kicking off at 7:45 PM. Admission is £13 for Adults (18+), £10 Concessions (65+), £5 Students Blue Light & Armed Forces, £3 12-17s, £1 u12s, and the team will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans.

The day is here—Bradford (Park Avenue) takes on Stocksbridge Park Steels in the FA Cup Preliminary Round! The team is ready and raring to go after a strong final training session. Let’s fill Horsfall Stadium and cheer the lads on to victory!

🆚 Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Stocksbridge Park Steels
📅 Today! Saturday, 17th August
⏰ Kick-off: 3:00 PM
🏟️ Horsfall Stadium
🎟️ Admission: £9 Adults | £6 Concessions | £3 Youth | U12s FREE

See you at the ground! 💚⚽ #FACup #GreenArmy