Bradford (Park Avenue) produced a solid and disciplined performance to secure a 3-1 victory over Grimsby Borough on Saturday, under the guidance of interim managers James Hanson and Karl Leneghan.
The game started brightly for Avenue, with Dan Francis nearly opening the scoring in the 3rd minute, heading just wide from a Kelan Swales cross.
However, it didn’t take long for Avenue to break the deadlock. In the 5th minute, Connor Shanks found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Grimsby Borough.
Despite Avenue’s early lead, the game settled into a more even contest, with both teams struggling to find clear-cut opportunities. Grimsby gradually grew into the match and were rewarded in the 29th minute when Jack Richardson leveled the score, slotting the ball past Avenue’s goalkeeper after a sustained period of pressure from the home side.
Avenue quickly responded to the setback. Just six minutes later, Oli Norman was brought down in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Norman stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, restoring Avenue’s lead in the 36th minute. The visitors nearly extended their advantage just before halftime, but Norman’s shot was saved by the Grimsby keeper.
The second half began with both sides making substitutions, but it was Bradford (Park Avenue) who took control. In the 60th minute, Norman struck again to double Avenue’s lead. After Josh Askew’s shot was parried by the Grimsby goalkeeper, Norman reacted quickest to slot home the rebound, making it 3-1.
Grimsby Borough struggled to break down Avenue’s defence as the match wore on, with the visitors managing the game effectively. However, Avenue’s victory was somewhat marred by a late incident in the 82nd minute, when Josh Askew received a second yellow card and was sent off. Despite being reduced to ten men, Avenue remained resolute and closed out the game without conceding further.
This victory marks a positive step forward for Bradford (Park Avenue) as they build momentum under the interim stewardship of James Hanson and Karl Leneghan. The team showed resilience and clinical finishing to secure the win, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead, newly appointed manager Craig Elliott will take charge for the first time this weekend in a crucial away trip to Witton Albion in the FA Trophy. The team will be eager to continue this form under Elliott’s leadership as they push forward in the competition.
Attendance: 169
Full-Time: Grimsby Borough 1-3 Bradford (Park Avenue)