Saturday 25 October 2025 | 3:00pm KO | Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) are back in cup action this afternoon as they welcome Morpeth Town to the Horsfall Community Stadium in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper.

Craig Elliott’s side come into the tie full of confidence following Tuesday’s 3–0 win over Pontefract Collieries in the West Riding County Cup. A brace from Connor Shanks and a goal from Tom Corner sealed progression to Round Two, extending Avenue’s unbeaten run and maintaining their strong momentum across all competitions.

Reflecting on that performance, Elliott praised his players’ professionalism and application:

“I thought we played really well and deserved the victory. It’s not easy to stay motivated in these games, but we’re unbeaten now and hopefully can keep the run going into the weekend.”

Elliott also highlighted the depth in his squad after several rotated players impressed, including Shanks and Moke, adding that the team are “taking both cups seriously” as they aim to continue their winning form.

Morpeth Town make the trip from Northumberland sitting 20th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, one tier above Avenue. The Highwaymen advanced to the First Round after a dramatic 3–1 penalty shoot-out win over Runcorn Linnets, following a 1–1 draw away at Stockham Lane.

Recent league form has been mixed — Morpeth have taken three points from their last three matches, including a 2–0 home win over Workington last weekend. They’ve found goals at both ends, with narrow defeats to last seasons East champions Cleethorpes (1–2) and Warrington Rylands (3–4) earlier in October showing their attacking intent but defensive vulnerability.

This is Avenue’s fourth consecutive home tie in this season’s FA Trophy, having beaten Redcar Athletic, Consett, and Heaton Stannington in the qualifying rounds to reach the First Round Proper.

Speaking ahead of the game, Elliott acknowledged that Avenue go into the fixture as slight underdogs against higher-division opposition:

“It’s not often we’re underdogs at home. We’re playing a team from the league above, and I’m expecting a tough match. But we’ll be ready, and I hope as many fans can come down and get behind us. We want to go as far as we can in this competition.”

Match Info

🕒 Kick-off: 3:00pm
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG

🎟 Admission:
Season Ticket Holders (both clubs)

• Adults – £8
• Concessions (Blue Light, Armed Forces, Students, 65+) – £5
• 12–17s – £3
• Under 12s – £1

Non-Season Ticket Holders

• Adults – £10
• Concessions (Blue Light, Armed Forces, Students only) – £5
• 12–17s – £3
• Under 12s – £1

🎫 Tickets available via Fanbase:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=15681

Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Junior Lead, Gary Ratnik, who departs the club this week after over four years of dedicated service to our junior and community programmes.

A message from Gary to you all is below.

Today is my final day of employment at the club.

When I first arrived at Bradford (Park Avenue), my goal was to make a real impact — to help develop something lasting for the next generation. Looking back now, I feel a great sense of achievement, even though the work is never truly done.

Our grassroots setup has become one of the best around, and the quality within our coaches, players, and culture has grown massively. I’m proud of how far we’ve come together — both technically and in the sense of belonging that runs through the whole membership.

The Performance Centre, now known as PlayerLab, reached over 140 participants at its peak. We’ve given our players incredible experiences — facing clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Leeds United, Hull City, Leicester City, Bradford City, Sheffield United, and Burnley — and even taking a team to the Belfast Cup. The programme continues to evolve with first-team players now involved in weekly sessions, which is something I’m really proud to have helped put in place.

Over the past three years, I’ve also been deeply involved in running our School Holiday Camps — with this summer welcoming over 75 young players, more than 60% of whom were new to the club.

It’s been a joy to introduce and drive forward the AveyFest Presentations, bringing everyone together to celebrate the achievements of the year, alongside two brilliant Junior Volunteer Award Nights, recognising all the effort and passion in our junior ranks.

When I first started, our involvement with local schools was minimal. Now, through teamwork and dedication, that’s grown to 31 hours a week of activity across multiple schools. I’ve loved helping to build the Enrichment Programme for children with SEN, and working closely with our scholars — mentoring them as young coaches, volunteers, and ambassadors of the club.

The club has changed so much since I first walked through the door just over four years ago. Back then, we had only the Pavilion and the Clubhouse. Since then, through collective hard work, we’ve seen the addition of new stadium facilities, modular changing rooms, offices, hospitality areas, and more.

Two projects I’ll always hold close are the café — born from the idea of creating a welcoming, safe space for our members and volunteers — and the new club entrance and shop, designed to improve safety and showcase our pride. Both were made possible by the amazing volunteers and young players who gave up their time and energy to help. I’m grateful to every single one of you who believed in my ideas and wanted to make BPA a better, stronger place.

Even as I leave, I’ve been able to help create a new museum and programme shop for everyone to enjoy on matchdays — something I hope will continue to grow.

I leave tired but proud. There’s always more to do, but I hope I’ve helped lay strong foundations for others to build upon. I can’t let go completely — football is part of who I am — so I’ll be continuing as a volunteer coach for the U10s. I’m sure I’ll see many of you at future matches, maybe in the bar rather than behind the entrance desk.

Finally, I’d like to thank Thomas McStravick for giving me the opportunity, and to all the coaches, parents, and volunteers who’ve stuck with me and helped build what we have today.

Thanks for everything,

Gary Ratnik

Tuesday 21 October 2025 | 7:45pm KO | Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall on Tuesday night as they host Pontefract Collieries in the First Round of the West Riding County Cup.

Craig Elliott’s side head into the fixture unbeaten in three matches, following a goalless draw with Heaton Stannington at the weekend. Avenue created the better chances throughout but couldn’t find a breakthrough, with Marcus Carver, Joe Ackroyd and Kareem Hassan-Smith all going close in front of goal.

Captain Mark Beevers made his return from injury to lead the side and will hope to build on that display as Avenue look to continue their positive run of form and progress in the County Cup.

The two teams last met in August, when Avenue produced a convincing 3-0 victory at Ossett United’s Ingfield ground — goals from Beevers and a brace from Charlie Winfield sealing all three points in a strong away performance.

Tuesday’s clash provides another opportunity for Elliott’s men to maintain momentum ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy First Round Proper tie against Morpeth Town, while offering valuable minutes to the wider squad.

Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG

🎟 Admission:

• Adults – £6.00
• Concessions (65+, Blue Light, Students, Armed Forces) – £4.00
• Under 18s – £1.00

Tickets are available on the gate or in advance via Fanbase:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=15622

Saturday 18 October 2025 | 3:00pm KO | Horsfall Community Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to the Horsfall Community Stadium this afternoon, looking to build on a positive run of form as they face Heaton Stannington in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Craig Elliott’s side sit second in the table, just three points off top spot, following a strong away win at Blyth Town and a 2–2 draw at Silsden in midweek. Avenue will be aiming to continue their impressive recent performances and keep pressure on league leaders Redcar Athletic.

Heaton Stannington arrive in mid-table and have been tough opposition this season, earning seven points from their last four matches. The visitors most recently played out a goalless draw against Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday night.

The two sides met earlier this month in the Isuzu FA Trophy, where Bradford claimed a 2–1 win thanks to goals from Jak McCourt and Tom Corner. Avenue will be hoping for a repeat outcome today as they aim to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their strong home record.

---

🎟 Tickets
Adults £8 | Concessions £5 | Youth £3 | Juniors £1
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟 Available on Fanbase ONLY.
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=15600

Regular admission (pay on the gate): Adults/Concessions £10 | Blue Light/Armed Forces & Students £5 | Youth (12–17) £3 | Juniors (U12) £1

Tuesday 14 October 2025 | 7:45pm KO | 3 Keighley Road, Silsden, Keighley BD20 0EH

Bradford (Park Avenue) make the short trip across Bradford tonight to face Silsden AFC in Northern Premier League East Division action.

Craig Elliott’s side head into the fixture sitting second in the table, just one point behind current leaders Redcar Athletic, and remain unbeaten on the road this season. Saturday’s 2–0 win at Blyth Town, sealed by a Marcus Carver brace, marked Avenue’s seventh league victory and a strong response to the narrow defeat against North Ferriby the previous week.

“Away games at this level are always tough — especially midweek,” Elliott said. “The lads have been at work all day, but we’ll prepare properly and go there with confidence. Silsden have good players and will be up for it, but it’s about us maintaining our standards and building on Saturday’s performance.”

Hosts Silsden, meanwhile, come into the game on the back of a confidence-boosting 3–2 home win over Newton Aycliffe at the weekend — a dramatic finish sealed by a late own goal. That followed a spirited 1–1 draw with Stocksbridge Park Steels in the FA Trophy last Tuesday, where they were only edged out 5–4 on penalties by last season’s NPL East play-off winners.

Currently 19th in the table with two wins, three draws and five defeats, the Cobbydalers will look to build on recent performances and use home advantage under the lights at Keighley Road. Despite a challenging start, their attacking threat has been evident, though their 25 goals conceded is the second-highest in the division.

Avenue will need to remain disciplined and clinical to continue their fine away form and keep pace at the top of the table.

Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: 3 Keighley Road, Keighley (BD20 0EH)
Admission: £10 Adults | £7 Concessions (Over 60s & U16s) | £3 U11s

Bradford (Park Avenue) U18s return to FA Youth Cup action tonight, as they host York City U18s under the lights at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The tie was originally due to be played at York City’s ground, but due to the unavailability of their facilities, both clubs have agreed for Avenue to host.

Avenue head into the fixture full of confidence after a dramatic victory in the previous round away at Cleethorpes Town. David Nsingi’s second-half equaliser forced penalties, with the lads showing great composure to win 4–2 in the shootout and progress.

York will provide a tough test, and the Avenue youngsters will once again need the backing of the Green Army as they look to continue their journey in this prestigious competition.

Match Details

📅 Thursday 2nd October
⚽ Bradford (Park Avenue) U18s vs York City U18s
🏟 Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, BD6 2NG
⏰ Kick-Off 7:30pm
🎟 £3 Adults | £1 U18s

The Clubhouse and Tuck Shop will all be open for supporters.

Come and get behind the next generation as they look to book their place in the next round of the FA Youth Cup.

Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm two changes to our upcoming Northern Premier League East Division fixtures.

Our previously postponed home fixture against Lincoln United, which was called off due to our progression in the FA Trophy, has now been rearranged for Tuesday 23rd September at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

Meanwhile, our league clash with Ashington, originally scheduled for Saturday 4th October, will now take place a day earlier on Friday 3rd October, also at Horsfall.

We thank supporters for their understanding and look forward to welcoming the Green Army to back the team on both occasions.

Supporters unable to make it to the Horsfall this evening can still follow the action live as Avenue face Grimsby Borough in the Northern Premier League East Division.

We are pleased to confirm that tonight’s match will be live streamed on YouTube completely free of charge, with full commentary from Lewis Sale and Chris Bell.

Watch live here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/uFQu8jnRWCg?si=3DRipk6RU62SOplr

In addition, our AvenueOnAir commentary team will also be broadcasting live from the Horsfall. Join John Helm and Andy Cooper from 7:35pm for full match commentary.

Listen live here:
https://avenueonair.mixlr.com/

Whether you tune in via YouTube or AvenueOnAir, don’t miss a moment of tonight’s action.

Bradford (Park Avenue) U19s begin their FA Youth Cup journey this evening with a home tie against Garforth Town U19s under the lights at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The match promises to be an exciting contest as both sides look to progress in the competition, with Avenue’s youngsters eager to continue the positive momentum built during pre-season. Supporters are encouraged to come along and get behind the team in what should be a great occasion for the club’s Football Education Programme.

Fixture Details
Bradford (Park Avenue) U19s vs Garforth Town U19s
Wednesday 3rd September
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG
Admission: £3 Adults, £1 U18s

Food and refreshments will be available on the night from the Horton Park Suite, including Caribbean stewed chicken with rice and peas, and freshly baked double chocolate cookies.

We look forward to welcoming supporters to Horsfall as our U19s take centre stage in the FA Youth Cup.

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is pleased to share that we have recently met with Age UK Bradford District to begin discussions on how we can work together in the future.

As part of this developing relationship, the Foundation has committed to inviting Age UK Bradford District to an upcoming First Team matchday at Horsfall Community Stadium. This will be a great opportunity to welcome their team, highlight their important work, and continue exploring ways we can support older people across Bradford.

We look forward to further talks on how this partnership can grow, delivering projects and opportunities that will benefit both organisations and, most importantly, our local community.

![Photo shows Mat Everett, Community Director, Chris Maher, Age UK Bradford District Community Buddies Champion, and Sarah Murray, Age UK Bradford District Income Generation Assistant.]

You can learn more about Age UK Bradford District’s Bradford Buddies scheme here:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bradforddistrict/activities-and-events/bradford-buddy-scheme/

To continue supporting the Foundation’s aims of bringing sport, opportunity and community to Bradford donate here:
https://localgiving.org/charity/bpasportsfoundation