Match Preview: Lincoln United vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Lincoln United on Saturday as Northern Premier League East Division action continues.

Avenue head into the fixture sitting fourth in the table, having collected 38 points from 21 matches. Craig Elliott’s side come into the game on the back of a late 2–1 victory over Blyth Spartans at the Horsfall, extending a strong run of form that has kept Avenue firmly in the play-off places.

Lincoln United approach the contest under relatively new management. Former manager Scott Hellewell and assistant Paul Grimes were relieved of their duties on 18 November, with Director of Football Dave Frecklington taking interim charge. On 28 November, the Whites confirmed the appointment of Billy Heath as their new First Team Manager, with Heath officially beginning his role in early December. Avenue supporters may remember Heath from his time in charge of Alfreton Town during Bradford (Park Avenue)’s spell in the National League North.

United currently sit 18th in the East Division and remain locked in a tightly contested battle in the lower half of the table. Recent results have included a home win over Blyth Spartans, a draw away at Newton Aycliffe, and a narrow home defeat to Ashington, underlining their competitiveness despite their league position.

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Avenue record a 3–0 victory at the Horsfall, but Saturday’s meeting presents a different challenge on Lincoln’s home turf, particularly with United settling into a new managerial era.

Kick-off is at 3pm at the Sun Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium, with Avenue once again backed by the travelling Green Army.

Match details
Lincoln United vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
Saturday 13 December 2025
3pm kick-off
Sun Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium
Ashby Avenue, Lincoln, LN6 0DY

Bradford (Park Avenue) Christmas Holiday Camps!

The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is delighted to welcome young people back to Horsfall this festive season for our Christmas Holiday Camps.

Perfect for primary and secondary school-aged children, the camps offer a fun and active environment during the school break – with football, multisport, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities led by our qualified Foundation coaches.

These sessions are open to all, with free places available via the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for eligible families receiving benefit-related Free School Meals.

Camp Information
Location: Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, BD6 2NG
Dates:
Saturday 20 December 2025
Monday 22 December 2025
Tuesday 23 December 2025
Times: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Ages: Primary & secondary school age
Cost: £10 per day

How to book
Sign up using our online form:
https://forms.gle/MxrqCY6xyfjE8r4HA

If eligible for benefit-related Free School Meals, please register for free places through the HAF Parent Portal:
https://bradford.haf.fun/login

These camps are a fantastic opportunity for children across Bradford to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy a fun-filled school holiday experience.

For more information, please contact:
Mathew.Everett@bpafc.com

We look forward to seeing everyone at Horsfall for a brilliant Christmas of sport and festive fun.

David Logan achieves Level 1 SEG Awards in Employability Skills

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to congratulate David Logan on successfully achieving his Level 1 SEG Awards in Employability Skills as part of our Enrichment Programme.

Over the last year, David has worked across a variety of roles in and around the stadium, developing practical skills, building confidence, and creating a strong foundation for his next steps. His continued progress is a great example of what the programme aims to support.

David reflected on his achievements, saying:

“I have enjoyed my time on the enrichment project, it has helped me to build my confidence and I am proud to have my certificate. It is a big accomplishment to do it, and my favourite part of the programme is the coaching and media work.”

David’s mum, Donna, also shared her pride:

“I am really proud of David, the enrichment programme has really helped him progress. It is doing him a world of good. He’s doing really well in all aspects and seems to be growing up a bit more.”

His tutor, Tina Ratnik (E.D.G.E – working in partnership with BPA), praised David’s commitment throughout the programme:

“We set the Enrichment Project up to help young people who may struggle to thrive in a traditional educational setting, the achievements of David show how this project can impact both the young person and their family. I have been working with David for over a year now and the development in his confidence is lovely to see. He has worked hard to complete this qualification and used lots of different skills in and around the stadium to build a varied portfolio of evidence. We are now looking to move onto a Level 2 qualification which is excellent progress.”

Congratulations David – we look forward to continuing to support your journey.

For more information on E.D.G.E or our Enrichment Programme, please contact: tinaratnik.edge@gmail.com

LAST CHANCE FOR CHRISTMAS DELIVERY

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Supporters are reminded that the final date for guaranteed UK delivery for orders from www.bpafc.com before Christmas is Tuesday 17 December.

A wide range of club merchandise is available to order online at www.bpafc.com/shop, including books, Capelli winter coats, 1/4 zips, bomber jackets, duffel bags, backpacks, home and away kits, and a selection of accessories.

We post worldwide, with delivery times varying depending on the destination. For UK orders needed before Christmas, please ensure all purchases are completed by the 17 December cut-off.

We are open this week 1–9pm, Thursday 1–9pm, and Sunday 11–4pm for in-person shop sales and collections. Supporters are welcome to browse the shop or combine their visit with Half Season Ticket purchases and same-day ticket printing.

For all enquiries, please contact Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com

Make sure your Bradford (Park Avenue) gifts arrive in time by placing your order before the cut-off date.

HALF SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm that Half Season Tickets for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign are now on sale, both online and in store.

As of 9 December 2025, there are 11 home games remaining, making this the perfect time to secure exceptional value while guaranteeing your place at every remaining matchday at the Horsfall.

Half Season Ticket Prices:
Adults & Concessions – £60 (equivalent to £5.45 per game)
Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces, Premier League, EFL & National League ST Holders – £40 (£3.64 per game)
Youth (12–17) – £24 (£2.18 per game)
Under-12s – £8 (£0.73 per game)
Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 U18s) – £120 (£2.73 per person, per game)

Supporters can purchase Half Season Tickets in person, online for collection, or have their ticket posted for a small delivery fee. We post worldwide, although delivery times may vary based on location. Please note that for UK Christmas delivery, the cut-off date is 17 December.

We are open this week on Wednesday 1–9pm, Thursday 1–9pm, and Sunday 11–4pm for Half Season Ticket sales and shop purchases. Fans are welcome to browse our retail range or have their Half Season Ticket printed on the same day. As you enter the stadium through Cemetery Road, turn left and head to the Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC Office, located to the right and up the ramp from the Green Army Cafe.

For more information or any enquiries, please email Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com

Secure your place for the second half of the season and join the Green Army at the Horsfall.

MATCH PREVIEW: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) vs BLYTH SPARTANS

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to the Horsfall on Saturday afternoon to face Blyth Spartans, with Craig Elliott’s side aiming to extend a three-match unbeaten run and supporters able to take advantage of the club’s December discounted admission prices.

Avenue’s last home game came on Tuesday of last week, when they drew 0–0 with Consett under the lights. Since then, Elliott’s side have travelled twice and delivered two excellent 3–0 victories — first away at Bishop Auckland in the league on Saturday, and then on Tuesday night at Selby Town in the West Riding County Cup.

Those results have strengthened confidence, tightened things defensively, and pushed Avenue firmly back into rhythm ahead of a busy festive period. Avenue sit 4th in the Northern Premier League East table on 35 points after 20 games, well positioned in the promotion race.

Blyth Spartans arrive in West Yorkshire after a difficult first half of the season. They currently sit 22nd with 13 points from 19 matches, recording three wins, four draws and twelve defeats. Their recent form shows narrow losses to Bishop Auckland (1–2), Lincoln United (0–1) and Brighouse Town (0–1), while last weekend’s trip to Bridlington Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Despite their league position, Blyth have shown they can compete, picking up points in draws with Ashington, Hallam, North Ferriby and Emley, and claiming a strong 2–0 victory away at Garforth Town earlier in the season. They were also involved in one of the division’s most dramatic matches, a 4–3 defeat to Heaton Stannington that featured a late Blyth fightback.

This is the second meeting of the season between the sides. Avenue earned a 1–0 win at Croft Park in September thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Louie Chorlton, controlling much of the play in a disciplined, patient away performance. With Avenue looking to extend their unbeaten run and Blyth desperate to climb away from the foot of the table, another competitive afternoon is expected at the Horsfall.

Following our win in the West Riding County Cup vs Selby Town, Manager Craig Elliott had this to say:

“The lads have done themselves justice tonight and we’ll train well on Thursday and look forward to another tough test. We’re feeling a lot more positive — three games unbeaten now, and two good wins with goals and clean sheets.

There are no long-term targets, we just want to keep winning football matches. The lads are a great group, they care, they work hard, and we’re in a good place heading into the weekend.”

Saturday’s match is part of the club’s December discounted admission offer — the lowest prices of the 2025/26 season.

Tickets are priced at £7 for Adults, £5 for Concessions (65+, Students, Bluelight, Forces with ID), £3 for Youths (12–17) and £1 for Juniors under 12.

Hospitality is also available for just £15, offering great value for supporters looking to enjoy the matchday experience. All tickets, including hospitality, can be purchased via Fanbase at:

https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16278

With Avenue in strong form and looking to push further up the table, your support will once again play a vital role. We look forward to welcoming you this weekend.

Match Preview: Selby Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue) WRCC

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Bradford (Park Avenue) return to action on Tuesday evening as Craig Elliott’s side travel to Selby Town in the West Riding County Cup.

The tie takes place on Tuesday 2nd December 2025, with a 7:45pm kick-off at Richard Street, Selby (YO8 4BN).

Avenue will be looking to build on Saturday’s strong performance and continue progressing in the competition, with another opportunity for the squad to show momentum and character as we head into a busy winter period.

Live commentary will be available on AvenueOnAir for supporters unable to make the trip.

BOXING DAY KICK-OFF TIME CHANGED

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Bradford (Park Avenue)’s home fixture on Boxing Day against Pontefract Collieries will now kick off at 1:00pm, brought forward from the original 3:00pm start.

The change has been mutually agreed between both clubs and management to help ensure players, staff and supporters can enjoy more of the Christmas period with their families while still delivering a full matchday experience at Horsfall.

We look forward to welcoming the Green Army for one of the standout fixtures of the festive schedule.

PRESS RELEASE: Ashman and La Bastide complete loan moves

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that Josh Ashman and Myles La Bastide have both completed loan moves, with standard recall clauses included in each agreement.

Defender Josh Ashman, sponsored by Shahidas Café, has joined Mickleover.

Ashman arrived at the Horsfall in September of the 2024/25 season after previous spells with Guiseley and Matlock Town. A former Sheffield Wednesday academy player and U21s captain, he has brought composure and physical presence to Avenue’s back line.

Josh made 35 appearances and scored three goals last season, forming a strong partnership with Mark Beevers. This campaign he has continued to feature consistently, making eight starts and three further appearances from the bench.

Forward Myles La Bastide, sponsored by RAB 43-, has joined Silsden AFC.

A product of Avenue’s Football Education Programme, La Bastide signed his first professional contract in 2023 and has since gained valuable senior experience on loan at Frickley and Pontefract.

He made 18 appearances and scored four goals in his debut year, adding six goals from 23 outings last season. So far in 2025/26, Myles has made two starts and seven substitute appearances, finding the net once.

Manager Craig Elliott had this to say on Josh and Myles’ respective loan moves:

“Both Josh and Myles are still very much part of my plans for this season. However, both players need a few games to keep them match-fit and confident for when we need them back in the team.

“These loans will help everyone in the short term, support both players, and I hope they have successful spells.”

Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) wishes Josh and Myles the very best during their respective loan spells.

Bradford (Park Avenue) and Sports Foundation Explore New Partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation recently held a highly productive meeting at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to explore a new partnership that could benefit the wider club, our Foundation programmes, and communities across Bradford.

Representing both the club and Foundation, Community Director Mathew Everett met with Kunaal James Wharfe and Lindsay Beresford FCIPD to discuss how Bradford (Park Avenue) and LBA could work together across several exciting areas, strengthening local connections and creating new opportunities for young people, supporters, and staff.

The group identified three key areas to develop further:

Careers & Aspirations

Collaborating on pathways and opportunities for post-16 students linked to LBA, including careers engagement, workplace visits, and potential education-to-employment routes for young people involved in the club and Foundation.

Charity Football Match

Planning a fun, engaging charity football match for Leeds Bradford Airport staff — using football to promote wellbeing, teamwork, and fundraising for community projects.

Advertising & Visibility

Exploring mutually beneficial visibility and sponsorship opportunities, strengthening the connection between LBA and Bradford (Park Avenue), and supporting the growth of both the club and Foundation brand.

This meeting reflects the shared commitment of Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and LBA to support young people, create opportunity, and champion the Bradford district through partnership working.

Special thanks to our ED&I Consultant Humayun Islam BEM BCAc for helping connect both organisations and contributing to the discussion.

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and the Sports Foundation look forward to progressing these ideas and building a strong, long-term relationship with Leeds Bradford Airport.