Bradford (Park Avenue) can today confirm that Captain Connor Dimaio has unfortunately accepted an offer from Northern Premier League side Matlock Town, and therefore leaves with immediate effect.
The club would like to go on record to thank Connor for his efforts during his short spell, and we wish him all the best for the future.
West Riding County Cup Draw! Avenue face Golcar United!
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! 💚⚪
MATCH REPORT – Ashington 1 – 0 Bradford (Park Avenue)
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.
Matchday Preview: FA Trophy – Witton Albion vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
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: FreeAs 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!
🚨 MATCHDAY ALERT 🚨
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
MATCHDAY!
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
CRAIG ELLIOTT IS THE NEW AVENUE MANAGER!
Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to announce the appointment of Craig Elliott as the new First Team Manager.
Signing a one-year contract, Elliott has a wealth of managerial experience in non-league and has an outstanding record of promotions and winning trophies.
After hanging up his playing boots, Elliott took his first job at Pontefract Collieries before moving to Glasshoughton Welfare, where he secured promotion from the Northern Counties East League – Division One in 2012.
His next job took him two divisions higher to Ingfield where he took charge of Ossett Town. He improved the playing squad and in 2014, he made the surprising move to Shaw Lane Aquaforce. But it proved to be the right decision as he enjoyed three promotions, winning the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup, as well as having lucrative cup runs in the Isuzu FA Trophy, Isuzu FA Vase and Emirates FA Cup.
After his successful spell in Barnsley, Elliott was rewarded with the manager’s job at Boston United. The 46-year old was in the dugout for 161 games, winning 78 matches, including a memorable run to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round in 2019 and reaching the National League North Promotion Final in 2020.
Following his departure, Elliott had a short spell at Matlock Town before moving to Buxton FC. During his time at the Bucks, Elliott steered the club away from the relegation zone and missed out on the playoffs by one point. Whilst at Silverlands, Elliott guided his team to two Derbyshire Cup victories.
Making a return to the dugout, Elliott is looking forward to the new challenge at Bradford:
“I’m delighted to be joining BPA. Everything has happened quickly but after talks with director of football, the board and the owner I felt this was the right move for me and the club.
As a West Yorkshire based manager, I am fully aware of the struggles the club has had on the pitch in their recent history. But I am determined to change the outlook of the club both on and off the pitch as quickly as possible. I have experience of similar situations throughout my career and have been fortunate to consistently be fighting for promotions and I can assure the supporters I will be giving everything I can to get us challenging for promotion and build a team you can be proud of.”
On appointing Elliott, Tom McStravick is delighted to welcome a proven winner to the Horsfall Community Stadium:
“We have had lots of interest in the role. The calibre of candidates really does signify the size and potential of this club. Once we spoke to Craig, we knew he was the right man at the right time to take the club forward. He is driven and will do whatever it takes to win. The board are delighted with this appointment. Let’s get behind him and move this club forward.”
The new First Team Manager will watch his team from the stands on Saturday against Grimsby Borough. James Hanson will lead the side, supported by Karl Lenaghan. Elliott’s first game in charge will be the Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Witton Albion on Saturday 7 September.
We’ll share our first interview with the new manager shortly on our website and social media channels.
Please give a warm welcome to Craig as we wish him all the best during this time with us.
Up the Avenue!
PARK LIFE – JAMES HANSON TALKS FOLLOWING INTERIM MANAGER APPOINTMENT
U13’s JPL OPEN TRIALS – THURSDAY 15TH AUGUST FROM 5:30PM TIL 7PM
NEW & PREVIOUS TRIALISTS WELCOME, INCLUDING GOALKEEPERS AND OUTFIELDERS
SIGN UP HERE – forms.office.com/e/5sKBxtfaFE
Need more info? Email John.Sanderson@bpafc.com!
U13’s JPL OPEN TRIALS – THURSDAY 15TH AUGUST FROM 5:30PM TIL 7PM
NEW & PREVIOUS TRIALISTS WELCOME, INCLUDING GOALKEEPERS AND OUTFIELDERS
SIGN UP HERE – https://forms.office.com/e/5sKBxtfaFE
Need more info? Email John.Sanderson@bpafc.com!
#BPA #ParkAvenue #football #TRIALS #GreenArmy #footballtrials #footytrials #FootballTrialsUK #bradfordevents