Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce the signing of former Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Bolton Wanderers defender Mark Beevers on a one-year contract subject to International Clearance and League Approval.

Mark had until recently, being plying his trade in Australia where he was representing Perth Glory in the A-League, but has relocated back to England with his family.

Having racked up over 500 appearances in the EFL Championship & League One representing teams such as Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers and Peterborough United before travelling oversees for a stint at Perth Glory, Mark certainly brings the quality and experience needed in order for Avenue to make a push for promotion this season.

Manager Craig Elliott had this to say on his latest signing: “Mark is exactly the type of signing we needed. He gives us vital experience and physical presence. To sign a player of his calibre shows are intent to improve and he will be a big signing for us on and off the pitch.”

Sporting Director Tom McStravick was also delighted with the signing: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Mark’s experience to the club. He’s a real leader and I’m excited to see him in a BPA shirt.”

Thanks to the BPA Development Fund for their assistance in making this signing happen.

Mark will hopefully be available to make his debut in next Saturday’s home game against Heaton Stannington.

We can confirm that Bradford (Park Avenue) have been drawn away, to face Golcar United in our first round of the West Riding County Cup! 🏆

🆚 Golcar United
📅 Tuesday 24th September, 7:45PM
🏟️ Longfield Avenue, Huddersfield, HD7 4AZ

This will be an exciting cup tie, and we’re ready to battle it out for a place in the next round!

Let’s pack Longfield Avenue and show our support for the lads! 💚⚪

Bradford (Park Avenue) suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Ashington in a hard-fought Northern Premier League East Division encounter, with Jay Errington’s second-half goal sealing the win for the hosts.

Avenue started the game strongly, creating early chances from set pieces. In the 5th minute, Harry Colville delivered a corner into the box, which found Dan Francis, but his header went just over the bar. Three minutes later, another corner from Colville found Connor Shanks, but he mistouched it, and Ashington cleared the danger.

In the 14th minute, Colville and Shanks linked up again from a corner, with Shanks heading towards goal, but the Ashington keeper made a comfortable save. Ashington’s first real opportunity came in the 27th minute when Avenue goalkeeper Craig Ellison was caught off his line. The home side attempted a chipped shot, but it went over the bar.

Just before halftime, Avenue had another chance when Josh Askew played a pass to Kareem Hassan-Smith, who crossed the ball into the box. Unfortunately, there were no Avenue players in position to tap it in, and both teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.

As the second half began, Ashington looked more dangerous. In the 53rd minute, they broke down the right side but sent their shot over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Jay Errington found the back of the net for the hosts. Despite claims of offside, the goal stood, giving Ashington the lead.

Craig Elliott made his first change in the 74th minute, bringing on Kelan Swales for Harry Colville. Avenue pressed on for an equalizer, and in the 84th minute, Theo Hudson replaced Connor Dimaio, followed by Alex Francis coming on for Luke Hogg in the 88th minute. Despite late pressure, Avenue couldn’t find the breakthrough, and Ashington held on for a 1-0 victory.

Speaking after the match, manager Craig Elliott expressed his frustration: “It’s always difficult when you lose and you think you’ve done enough to at least get a draw. To come up here midweek is a tough ask. Despite that, I thought we started off brilliantly. For large periods of the game, I thought we looked comfortable. We had loads of good moments and chances – I think we probably had 13 or 14 corners – so to not get something out of the game is really disappointing for us all.”

“The main thing for us now is trying to inject more goals into the team, which we can see is needed, but positives from today were our shape and organisation. It’s just disappointing to travel so far and get nothing out of it.”

Avenue now have a break in fixtures due to Carlton Town’s involvement in the FA Cup. The next match is an away trip to Ossett United on Saturday, 21st September, in the FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round.

Date: 7th September 2024

Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Venue: U Lock It Stadium, Off Chapel St, Wincham, CW9 6DA

Bradford (Park Avenue) head into today’s FA Trophy clash against Witton Albion full of confidence, buoyed by their recent 3-1 victory over Grimsby Borough. This marks a new chapter for Avenue, as Craig Elliott takes charge for the first time following the sacking of Danny Whitaker. With momentum on their side, Avenue will be looking to make an impact in the cup, while the Green Army travels in full support.

Opposition: Witton Albion

Witton Albion come into this match fresh off a thrilling 3-2 FA Cup victory over City of Liverpool on 31st August, with goals from Tom Daly, James Fisher, and the now-departed Joe Duckworth. Duckworth, who made 7 appearances and scored 8 goals for Albion this season, recently joined Stalybridge Celtic, leaving Witton without one of their primary attacking threats. Despite his departure, Witton remains a dangerous side, having bolstered their squad with the additions of midfielders Owen German, on loan from Altrincham, and Owen Cushion, signed from Prescot Cables. Elliot Rokka, who has been in fine form alongside Duckworth earlier this season, will now carry the bulk of the attacking responsibility.

Bradford (Park Avenue) Form

Bradford (Park Avenue) enters this FA Trophy tie after a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Grimsby Borough under the interim management of James Hanson and Karl Leneghan. The Avenue started strongly with an early 5th-minute goal from Connor Shanks. Although Grimsby Borough equalised, Oli Norman’s penalty restored the lead before half-time, and Norman went on to secure the win with his second goal in the 60th minute. Riding high on this success, Avenue will be eager to continue their strong form under their new manager, Craig Elliott.

Key Players to Watch

For Bradford (Park Avenue), Connor Shanks, who scored a stunning outside-of-the-foot goal last week, will be one to watch. Oli Norman is also in fine form, having scored a brace in the win over Grimsby Borough. Both players, alongside the leadership of James Hanson and Karl Leneghan, will be crucial in today’s match.

For Witton, the focus will now shift to Elliot Rokka, who will be a significant threat in attack. With Duckworth having departed, Rokka’s ability to lead the line will be critical for Albion’s chances.

Match Details:

•   Kick-Off: 3:00 PM
•   Venue: U Lock It Stadium, Off Chapel St, Wincham, CW9 6DA
•   Ticket Prices:
•   Adults: £12
•   Concessions: £7
•   18-21: £5
•   Under 18s: £3
•   Under 5s: Free

As Craig Elliott looks to get off to a winning start in his managerial debut, Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to carry their recent league form into the FA Trophy. Let’s get behind the boys and cheer them on to victory! Come on, Avenue!

Our U19s are in action tonight in the FA Youth Cup against Stocksbridge Park Steels U19s! 🏆⚽

📍 Location: Bracken Moor, S36 2AN
🕢 Kick-off: 7:30pm
🎟️ Admission: £3 Adults | £2 Concessions | £1 Juniors

Come down and support the future stars of Bradford (Park Avenue)! 💚⚪

GreenArmy #FAYouthCup #FutureStars #BPAYouth

Today’s the day! Bradford (Park Avenue) is on the road to face Grimsby Borough in a crucial Northern Premier League East clash. The lads are ready to leave it all on the pitch and bring home the three points. Let’s get behind them and show our support! 💚⚽

🆚 Grimsby Borough vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)
📅 Saturday, 31st August 2024
⏰ Kick-off: 3:00 PM
🏟️ Bradley Football Development Centre, Grimsby

GreenArmy #BPAvGRI