Avenue pulled off an injury time comeback in Matchday 21 of the Vanarama North against newly promoted Buxton FC.
(Park Avenue) struck twice in injury time with Super-Sub Oli Johnson and Jacob Blyth taking the plaudits and Bradford took a vital three points back to West Yorkshire.
Both sides started well, but it was Buxton who struck first, and took the lead after 12 minutes of the first half, they caught (Park Avenue) on a counterattack and put the home side into an early lead, Bradford responded well from going behind, but they couldn’t capitalise on their chances.
However the Avenue drew level just before the half hour mark, a terrific strike by Will Longbottom, and from this Bradford went on the hunt for a second, nearly finding it just before the break and it was Longbottom again who found space inside the box, but he could only put his effort wide of the goal.
Buxton had their own chances towards the back end of the half, but two strikes at goal were well saved by Sykes-Kenworthy and both sides stayed level into the break.
Bradford and Buxton came out into the second period with all guns blazing, both teams having chances in the early stages of the second half, first Longbottom thought he rescued the ball as he crossed towards the back post, but the linesman adjudged that the ball had already gone out of play.
Buxton at the other end had a chance to take the lead three minutes later, a low strike from a corner was well saved again by Sykes-Kenworthy. And as the second half went on it was the home side who had the better chances, (Park Avenue) seemed to be hanging on and with 11 minutes left of the game Buxton’s pressure finally paid off as they took the lead and looked good for the three points.
Buxton were then reduced to 10 men, as Tom Elliot was show his second yellow of the game for simulation, and when the referee added 6 minutes to the 90 already played, an inspired Avenue had a bit of luck on their side for once.
Oli Johnson who had only been on the field of play for five minutes then equalised for the Avenue as he smashed his effort beyond the man between the sticks and it looked like a point on the road for Avenue, however as the celebrations wore on, and a fan suggested they spend some more time celebrating, it was goalscorer Oli Johnson who exclaimed “No, we can win this!” and sure enough, after a quick pass around between Angell and Staunton, a cross sailed over for Blythy to head through and secure a late winner.
You can watch all three goals here
This win propels Bradford up to 18th as we now approach the halfway point of the season.
Up next on Monday the 5th December we host AFC Telford United at the Horsfall Community Stadium! Kick Off is 7:45pm, and if you are a Season Ticket holder at Bradford City, or a Championship/Premier League club you can gain half price entry to this match!
Tickets are priced at £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Students, £3 Youths and £1 Juniors. Parking at the Horsfall Community Stadium is free. Please consider the local residents and do not park on the yellow lines on Cemetery Road or in the Cemetery.
Travelling to the Horsfall Community Stadium? Click here for more details!
Match Report by James Fletcher