Great escape still on for Avenue.
Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Hereford for their final away game of the season in fine form this weekend having closed the gap on survival to just five points, whilst still maintaining a game in hand over the sides above.
The Green Army looked dead and buried at the beginning of the month, but a four game unbeaten run has seen the Avenue pick up eight points from a possible twelve, boosting their survival hopes as many around them have faltered.
Bower’s men saw off Banbury United last time out, with a narrow 1-0 home victory courtesy of a Harrison Hopper header on the hour mark. The Avenue boss was particularly pleased with the way his side navigated the second half, acknowledging: “the lads dug in and did what they had to do without coming under too much pressure”. Speaking about the upcoming trip to Hereford, Bower emphasised the importance of bringing back all three points, adding: “we’ve just got to win haven’t we? We can’t afford any slip ups”.
This weekend’s hosts will welcome Bradford (Park Avenue) to Edgar Street feeling much more relaxed following an important away win at Peterborough Sports last Saturday. Hereford were previously on a seven-game winless streak, a run that had seen them begin to fall dangerously close to the drop zone. However, the 2-0 victory at Lincoln Road quelled any fears and secured their National League North status for another season.
Bradford (Park Avenue) will take confidence from the fact that they have already beaten The Bulls this season. The Avenue secured their second win of the season in the reverse fixture against Hereford at the Horsfall Community Stadium back in October, thanks to a late Jacob Blyth penalty. In fact, The Green Army have an excellent head-to-head record against this weekend’s hosts. In their previous eight league meetings, the Avenue have recorded five victories, drawing twice and losing just once.
The stakes are high this weekend and anything other than a win could spell the end for Bradford (Park Avenue)’s National League North safety hopes depending on results elsewhere. However, if the Avenue were to bring all three points back to West Yorkshire, it would give them the opportunity to take the survival battle down to the wire with two crucial home games remaining next week – a game in hand against play-off hopefuls Alfreton Town on Wednesday evening followed by a final day encounter with title-chasing AFC Fylde.
Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)
Kick off: Saturday 22nd April, 15:00
Location:
Hereford FC, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JU
For details on visiting Edgar Street, click click here
Tickets:
Tickets can be bought from the Hereford FC ticket office, or online by clicking here. The following information has been taken from the Hereford FC club website:
‘ADVANCE’ TICKET PRICES (online)
SEATING
Adult: £18
Concession*: £15.50
U21 Student**: £9
U16***: £3
TERRACE
Adult: £15.50
Concession*: £13
U21 Student**: £8
U16***: £3
MATCHDAY PRICES
SEATING
Adult: £20
Concession*: £17
U21 Student**: £11
U16***: £4
TERRACE
Adult: £17
Concession*: £15
U21 Student**: £10
U16***: £4
*Concession prices apply to those in receipt of their full state pension.
**Our U21 Student price applies to all those 16-21 year olds in full time education.
***Please note all U14s must be accompanied by a responsible adult (Over 18).