Bradford (Park Avenue) began their Pitching In Northern Premier League East campaign in winning fashion, coming from a goal down to produce a dominant second-half display and secure all three points against Guisborough Town at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium on Saturday.
The Avenue got off to the worst possible start, conceding with just five minutes on the clock. A Guisborough corner was met unchallenged by Matthew Willshaw, who headed home to give the hosts an early lead.
Having seen their midweek clash at home to Silsden AFC postponed due to a cup replay, Bradford’s lack of competitive action in recent weeks was evident as they looked rusty, struggling to find their rhythm during the opening stages.
However, after the half-hour mark, the visitors began to retain possession well, and Luke Parkin came close to bringing the Green Army level, when he latched on to a through ball from Marcus Carver. The Avenue attacker, celebrating his birthday, was unable to keep his shot on target as it went agonisingly over the bar.
As the first half came to a close, the Avenue continued to search for an equaliser, but Guisborough keeper Ryan Catterick continued to organise his defence well, ensuring the hosts went into the break with their lead intact.
Bradford emerged from the interval inspired, with their manager’s team talk ringing in their ears, as they moved the ball quicker and enjoyed large spells of possession. Ten minutes into the second half, the ball fell to Scott Duxbury, whose powerful left-footed drive, from just outside the area, flashed narrowly wide.
Much of the Avenue’s best attacking play was coming down the right through the dangerous winger Louie Chorlton. Having already been denied a penalty shout early in the second half, the referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot just after the hour mark when the Avenue winger was brought down inside the Guisborough penalty area. Last season’s top goalscorer Marcus Carver made no mistake from the spot to equalise for Bradford, bringing the Green Army level.
Just four minutes later, Carver doubled his tally for the afternoon. A dangerous cross from Connor Shanks was bravely attacked by Carver at the back post, with the Bradford forward bundling the ball across the line. Despite protests from the Priorymen’s defenders, the linesman signalled for the goal, and Bradford were deservedly in front.
The Avenue refused to settle for a one-goal advantage and were rewarded for their continued attacking intent thirteen minutes from time, as Chorlton capped a tireless display with Bradford’s third. A great move down the left saw Robbie Fox and Adam Haw combined to deliver a dangerous ball across the penalty area, which the Guisborough defence were unable to deal with. Chorlton was on hand to calmly sidefoot the ball beyond the goalkeeper and secure all three points for the Avenue.
Craig Elliott’s side managed the remainder of the game in professional fashion, continuing to restrict the hosts’ attackers to very little, as they had done for much of the second half.
With their first points of the season safely on the board, Bradford (Park Avenue) can take plenty of confidence from a convincing second-half turnaround. The Avenue will now look to build on their winning start when they travel to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Wednesday night, with the chance to make it back-to-back victories at the beginning of the campaign.
Match report by Ste Grimshaw
Guisborough Town: Catterick, Griffiths (Robinson 83′), Collins, Coates (Simpson 72′), Frazer (C), Errington, Fergus, Payne, Willshaw , Doherty (Bailey 58′), Ferguson (Beddow 87′). Bailey, Draper, Simpson, Beddow, Robinson.
Goalscorer: Willshaw (5′)
Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton, Brown, Winfield, Abbott (Ekpolo 66′), Duxbury, Ible (C), Chorlton (Hassan-Smith 79′), Shanks, Carver (Andreucci 73′), Parkin (Haw 66′), Fox (Thompson 80′).
Goalscorers: Carver (63′ pen, 67′), Chorlton (77′)
Attendance: 385
Referee: Glen Hart
Match highlights by Steve Bagott:
Photos by Josh Horsfield:
