Tuesday 18th February 2025
19:45 KO
Horsfall Stadium
Match Preview provided by Olly Farrar
Bradford (Park Avenue) will host Garforth Town in what promises to be an exciting clash in the Northern Premier League (East). Both sides are desperate to get back to winning ways as this fixture could prove crucial in their quest for the play-offs.
Bradford (Park Avenue) comes into this fixture on the back of a patchy run of form, conceding 10 goals in the last 3 games that all ended in defeat for Avenue. Despite this, they are a team known for their solid defensive setup and quick counterattacks. The Avenue will look to take advantage of home soil, where they often find success. Expect a tactical approach from Boss Craig Elliott, who will aim to exploit Garforth’s weaknesses and keep things tight at the back.
Garforth Town, meanwhile, have had a mixed season so far but have shown flashes of brilliance in their attacking play. As a result, The Miners currently sit one place above Avenue (8th). They’ll need to become more clinical in front of goal at the Horsfall if they are to challenge Avenue, who on their day are difficult to break down.
For the home side, all eyes will be on Avenue skipper Mark Beevers who has plenty of EFL experience from his days at Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Millwall. For Garforth Town, their midfield playmaker will be key, as his creativity and vision could open spaces in Craig Elliott’s backline.
Historically, this fixture has been a close encounter. However, Avenue will be looking for their second victory of the season against the Miners thanks to a second half strike from Connor Shanks that gave them all three points in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
With both teams coming into the match looking for a boost, expect a hard-fought battle. Bradford Park Avenue’s home advantage may give them the edge, but recent performances could cause Garforth’s attacking quality to cause problems. If both teams are fully equipped, the result will likely come from an individual moment of brilliance.