Bradford (Park Avenue) will look to make it back-to-back victories at the start of the season, when they travel to face Stocksbridge Park Steels at Bracken Moor on Wednesday evening (7.45pm).
The Avenue built on their impressive pre-season, which saw them win all five of their friendlies, by beating newly-promoted Guisborough Town at the weekend. Despite going into the break a goal behind, Bradford produced a dominant second half display to turn the game around and secure a 3-1 victory, with Marcus Carver netting twice, and Louie Chorlton adding a third to seal the win.
Like Saturday’s opponents, The Steels are new to the NPL East this season. However, while Guisborough Town were promoted as champions from the division below, Stocksbridge Park Steels will post a different threat as they arrive in the league following relegation from the division above.
Despite having played a game fewer than Stocksbridge, the Avenue sit two points above them after Saturday’s round of fixtures. The Steels are still searching for their first win of the season, having suffered defeat, away, to Heaton Stannington in their opening game, before drawing at home to Ashington AFC, the following week. However, Stocksbridge will no doubt be buoyed by that hard-earned point, having fought back from two goals down thanks to a brace from new signing Josiah Dyer. The 21-year-old came off the bench to make his debut and netted twice late in the game to rescue a point for his side.
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to build on their impressive recent record against Wednesday evening’s hosts. The last time the two sides met in the same division, back in the 2024/25 season, the Avenue recorded 3-0 victories in both the home and away fixtures.
With both sides looking to build momentum early in the new campaign, Wednesday evening’s clash promises to be another competitive test for the Avenue. Bradford will be hoping to maintain their perfect start and make it back-to-back victories, while Stocksbridge will be determined to claim their first three points of the season on home soil.
Information for travelling fans:
Adults £10 / Concessions £8 / U16s £5
Stocksbridge Park Steels FC
Bracken Moor Lane
Stocksbridge
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S36 2AN
From West onto A616. Immediately you reach the Stocksbridge bypass turn right signed ‘Stocksbridge West’, then continue until you reach the shopping centre approximately 1.5 miles. 300 yards past the centre you will see Halfords Autocentre on your left. Turn right directly opposite signed ‘Nanny Hill’ and continue up the hill for approximately 500yds. Ground is on the left.
From M1 From North J36 onto A61 Sheffield to McDonalds roundabout. From South J35a onto A616 Manchester to McDonalds roundabout. From McDonalds roundabout on A616 Manchester for approximately 6 miles then take Stocksbridge West exit. Continue until you reach the shopping centre approximately 1.5 miles. 300 yards past the centre you will see Halfords Autocentre on your left. Turn right directly opposite signed ‘Nanny Hill’ and continue up the hill for approximately 500 yards, ground is on the left.
The stadium has a maximum capacity of 3,500, with 450 seats.
Match coverage:
There will be live match commentary on AvenueOnAir from 7.35pm, with Lewis Sale bringing you all the action from South Yorkshire – https://avenueonair.mixlr.com/events/5251134
We will share live in-game updates on our X channel @BPAFCOfficial, including team news, from 7.15pm.