Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC vs Bradford City AFC

Recap

Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Bradford City

July 23rd 2019
7:30 pm kickoff
Horsfall Stadium

Bradford (Park Avenue) play hosts to Rivals Bradford City in the annual pre season clash!

Previous meetings
The last time the sides met was the 18th of July 2018 the final result finished 2-1 in favour of Bradford City, with a Trialist opening the scoring for Park Avenue. Before Luca Colville levelled the score line in the 70th minute. The game looked like lit would end this way until a header in the last minute of play was glanced in by young winger Tom Clare which gave Bradford City the win.

Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Last victory came the year before in a 3-0 win thanks to strikes from Nicky Clee, Nicky Wroe and Adam Boyes who all hit the back of the net within the first 45 minutes. The second half of the game was defended relentlessly by Park Avenue who refused to give up the clean sheet!

Tom Banks Memorial Trophy
The Tom Banks memorial trophy is awarded to the winning side of the ‘Bradford Derby’ or the ‘Wool City Derby’
Bradford City being the current holders! This trophy, created in his memory is an appreciation of his work for both clubs.

Bradford City’s season
2018/19
Bradford City had a very difficult season last year, finishing last in the Football League one relegating them to the league two despite making it to the playoff finals only two years prior.
They accumulated 41 points with 11 wins in 46 games, this could be accredited to the five different managers that took the reigns at Valley Parade last season.

2019/20
Bradford City have bolstered their squad immensely with the signings of James Vaughan (Ex Premier League) and Adam Henley who signed from the MLS, the first division of American football!
Bowyer is looking forward to the new signing looking to create a side “that the city, and the supporters, can be proud of”.

Bradford (Park Avenue)’s season
2018/19
Bradford (Park Avenue) Reached great successes last season despite being an underdog in the league, Bradford (Park Avenue) placed highly in the National League North. The Avenue were top of the league at Christmas however struggled to find form after the festive season, but did enough to finish 7th and earn a playoff position! Unfortunately they were beaten by Spennymoor Town 1-0 in their first playoff game.

2019/20
Bradford (Park Avenue) has seen a rejuvenation of the club, with renovations made to the ground, especially the clubhouse! New management pairing Garry Thompson and Shaun Gardner have established a squad of enthusiastic players including experienced Centre Back Ryan Cresswell and retention of exciting prospect Lewis Knight. The squad is still developing and there are many positives to take away for pre season so far!

In addition to the changes to the squad and Ground, the club has recently implemented a #ProperBradford plan, which consists of new season ticket prices, which mean an adult receives entry to all 21 games, a hot drink at each and 1 limited edition scarf, you can read that article here.