3 Feb 2023

MATCH PREVIEW – Gloucester City (A)

Avenue are back on the road again this Saturday.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be on their travels again this weekend as they make the 175-mile journey to mid-table Gloucester City on Saturday. The trip to New Meadow Park will be a second successive away fixture for the Avenue, following on from Tuesday’s narrow defeat at promotion chasing Kings Lynn Town, a result that took the opposition to the summit of the Vanarama National League North.

Despite the loss in midweek, Bradford boss Mark Bower expressed pride in his side’s performance against a full-time team, and felt unfortunate not to take anything from the game after Will Longbottom had put the Avenue ahead early in the second half. The Green Army were boosted by the return of Reece Staunton after a recent spell on the side-lines, but now expect to be without striker Jordan Preston for the trip to Gloucester after he was forced off inside the opening fifteen minutes with a suspected hamstring injury.

Bower also made clear his desire to improve Bradford (Park Avenue)’s league position this Saturday. It is now seven games without a win for the Avenue after what was an impressive end to the calendar year. The run has left the side looking nervously over their shoulders, just three points clear of the relegation zone having played more games than the chasing pack. A win at New Meadow Park on Saturday could lift Bradford up a place into 16^th, providing results go their way elsewhere.

Gloucester City are also approaching this weekend’s fixture struggling for consistency, with only one win recorded from their previous seven games. The Tigers have struggled at the back this season, with their leaky defence conceding the second-highest amount of goals in the National League North, a statistic the Avenue attack will no doubt look to exploit. The hosts are also reeling from the loss of top goal scorers Matt McClure and Tré Mitford. McClure had netted 14 goals in 24 games before moving to National League South club Chippenham Town in January, whilst Mitford had netted eight times this season before departing to Boston United last month. The Gloucester fans may understandably be left worrying where their goals will come from in the absence of their star strikers.

The Green Army will be hoping for more of the same when reflecting on the reverse fixture between these sides. The Halloween encounter saw Bradford (Park Avenue) emerge victorious with a 2-1 win at the Horsfall Community Stadium, courtesy of goals from Jacob Blyth and Brad Dockerty. Furthermore, the Avenue are unbeaten in their previous three away matches against Gloucester City, one of which included an enthralling 4-4 draw back in November 2020. Bradford (Park Avenue) came back from 3-1 down to lead 4-3, only to be denied by a Gloucester equaliser in the second half. The Avenue faithful will be hoping for similar free-flowing attacking football this Saturday.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter)

Getting to the ground:

TigerTurf Stadium, Sudmeadow Road, Gloucester, GL2 5HS

Public transport – The nearest train station is Gloucester, which is about a 25 minute walk away. Stagecoach buses 8 and 11 stop just a minute or two walk from the stadium and both leave from the City Centre.

Car – There is limited space for car parking at TigerTurf Stadium, and as such parking is only available on matchdays for blue badge holders (email before matchday info@gcafc.co.uk), guests and officials.

Local Car Parks

3 Hours free parking is available at Sainsbury’s on St Ann Way GL2 5SA, a 5 minute walk from the ground.
Castlemeads Car Park, GL1 2NH is a Pay & Display car park and is a 10 minute walk
Gloucester Quays Car Park, Baker Street GL2 5RG offers up to 4 hours parking for £5 and is a 12 minute walk

Directions (from the North)

Exit the M5 at junction 11 and take the A40 westbound towards Gloucester. At the roundabout take the 4th exit (A40) towards Ross. At the next roundabout go straight on (2nd exit) staying on the A40. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit left towards the city centre. Go right at the next junction towards Hempsted (A430). Straight ahead at the next set of lights and Sudmeadow Road is the third right turn just before the next set of traffic lights.

Directions (from the South)

Exit the M5 at junction 12 and head towards Gloucester. Go straight ahead at the roundabout on the A38 Quedgeley by-pass. Ahead at the next roundabout and straight ahead at the next two sets of traffic lights. onto Secunda Way (A430). Follow this road past three more sets of lights onto marina junction. Stay in the left hand lane towards Cheltenham/Ledbury/Ross. At the next lights with ‘The High Orchard’ to your right, go straight ahead and text the first left onto Sudmeadow Road.

To purchase tickets ahead of the game, click the link below

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/gloucestercityafc/840520#

2 Feb 2023

MATCH REPORT – Chorley (H) and Kings Lynn Town (A)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Avenue held their own against two top teams in the division.

Avenue’s goalless draw with Chorley and the narrow defeat to Kings Lynn means they pick up one point from a possible six against two of the league’s promotion chasers.

491 fans witnessed the goalless home draw against play-off chasers Chorley. It took a while for Avenue to get going.

The first half saw Chorley have the better of the chances and most of the game’s possession. But as the first half went on Avenue became stronger and nearly broke the deadlock just past the half hour mark. Maroodza found some space for a shot but it was claimed well by the Chorley keeper.

Chorley came out into the second half with fire in their belly. They created several chances but Avenue absorbed the pressure and waited patiently to try and catch the away side on the break. Towards the end Avenue made some good chances and, had fortune favoured them, they could have nicked all three points.

The Bradford boss Mark Bower wasn’t happy with the performance rating most of his players five or six out of ten, but was happy to take a point as he stated,

“When it’s not going for you and you can’t string anything together its important you keep a clean sheet, but I thought we defended well today and when they had as many chances as they had we earned the right to take a point at the end of the day.”

The following Tuesday saw the Avenue travel to the league leaders Kings Lynn who were unbeaten in their last five games. It was always going to a tall order for the Avenue to come away with anything.

In contrast to the Chorley game, Avenue started the brighter of the two sides and looked well on top throughout the first half, having most of the chances, but the home defence held firm.

Avenue’s pressure was rewarded five minutes into the second half. Great effort from Brad Dockerty, who played it down the left, and through the defences before passing to Longbottom who dispatched the ball into the back of the net to give Bradford a well-deserved lead.

This setback stirred the home side as they drew level after only four minutes.

Undeterred, Avenue kept up the pressure with Longbottom heading over and Dockerty harassing the home side’s keeper and backline when out of possession.

But it would be the home side who would find the winner with 20 minutes to go. A good strike from Christian Oxlade Chamberlain found its way past Sykes – Kenworthy to make sure the points stayed firmly on home soil.

Mark Bower had nothing but praise for his side’s performance,

“I thought we were good today, they didn’t really trouble us, a bit disappointed with the goals we conceded. I’m just disappointed and frustrated that we haven’t taken something from the game because I thought we deserved it.”

26 Jan 2023

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Chorley

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Home form could be key against promotion hopefuls.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will welcome promotion-chasing Chorley to the Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday following back-to-back away games in the Vanarama National League North.

The Avenue will be entertaining the Lancashire-based side buoyed by a hard-earned point away to Kidderminster Harriers last time out.

The fixture was one of only a handful of National League North games to get the go ahead during Saturday’s cold snap, and despite the heavy fog, the Green Army gave an impressive account of themselves against professional opposition to bring a point back to West Yorkshire, denied all three only by a wonder goal from the hosts.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to make home advantage count against Chorley. Despite losing their first four games at the Horsfall this season, the Avenue have settled well and are currently unbeaten in four on home turf.

A win this Saturday would be the first in six games, and could see Bradford climb a place to 16^th. More importantly, with only three points separating the club from the relegation zone, a win would be essential in taking another step closer to safety as the season enters its final months.

Like Avenue, Chorley also made a slow start to the season with just two wins from their opening eight games, but have since recovered and now find themselves on the brink of the league’s promotion places. However, one win in four appears to have halted the Magpie’s progress. Fortunately for Chorley, the teams sitting above them have also struggled for consistency since the turn of the year, meaning the promotion places are still in reach for this weekend’s visitors.

Chorley manager Andy Preece will be counting on attacker Connor Hall to continue his fine goal scoring form away at Bradford (Park Avenue) this Saturday. The former Sheffield United youth forward has netted 14 goals in 26 appearances this season, averaging 0.57 goals per game. The Avenue defence will need to keep a watchful eye on the Magpies talisman who has scored five times in his last six games in all competitions.

The reverse fixture back in August saw Bradford (Park Avenue) secure a valuable point at Victory Park by holding their hosts to a goalless draw, a result made even more impressive considering the Green Army had to play the entirety of the second half with ten men. Incidentally this was the same score line as when the Avenue hosted the Magpies last season.

There has been little to separate both of these sides in recent contests, with the last four meetings all resulting in draws. Still, Bradford (Park Avenue) should take inspiration from Chorley’s wretched record at the Horsfall, with the Magpies managing just one win in their last eight visits. This weekend’s opposition have failed to score in each of their last four trips to Bradford, a record that the Green Army will be hoping to maintain beyond this season.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter)

Where To Find Us:

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC, Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD6 2NG

Directions By Car:

Leave the M62 at junction 26 and follow signs for the M606. Continue on the M606 to junction 3 and take the A6117 exit to Ring Road West. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Rooley Lane / A6036 signposted Halifax. Pass the Odsal Stadium on the left hand side and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Halifax Road / A6036 signposted Halifax. After approximately one mile turn left down Cemetery Road immediately before the Kids Planet Children’s Nursery, and the ground is 150 yards on the left. We have a car park which will be signposted off Cemetery Road and parking charges may apply.

Directions By Train:

Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.

From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below):

Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).

From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.

Directions By Bus:

From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682.

These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.

Turnstiles: PAY ON GATE

The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road. Matchday prices for league games are as follows:

Adult – £14

Concession – £10

Student – £5

Youth (12-17) – £3

Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1

25 Jan 2023

Valiant Avenue secure a point at Kidderminster.

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) picked up a hard-fought point on the road at a foggy Kidderminster on Saturday afternoon.

The cold January snap meant an anxious wait for football fans all across the country on Saturday morning, as announcements flooded in of multiple postponements up and down the English football ladder. However, at the Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster concerns were eased as the referee deemed the pitch playable.

The Avenue were keen to atone their defeat last time out at the hands of Spennymoor Town, their first loss in seven games, and had to deal with plenty of pressure in the opening half an hour from the Harriers. Nonetheless, some determined Bradford defending combined with a string of Sykes-Kenworthy saves managed to keep the home side at bay.

The resolute defending paid off just past the half hour mark as Avenue forward Jordan Preston produced a calm finish beyond the Harriers goalkeeper Thomas Palmer to give the Green Army the lead, the perfect way to celebrate the news of his loan extension from Spennymoor Town earlier in the week.

Buoyed by the opener, Bradford (Park Avenue) soon went in search of a second as the fog began to worsen, with Jacob Blyth’s dangerous cross narrowly dealt with by the Kidderminster defence. The Avenue continued to manage the game well as the first half came to a close, with a dangerous Will Longbottom free-kick once again causing problems for the home side.

As the second half progressed, the Kidderminster attack began to turn the screw in their search for an equaliser, with Shane Byrne’s long-range effort sailing just over the crossbar and more fine goalkeeping from George Sykes-Kenworthy, this time denying the Harrier’s Ashley Hemmings.

As the fog worsened and the view from the stands became more obscure, it was clear that it was going to take something special to beat the in-form Avenue stopper. Sadly for Sykes-Kenworthy this proved to be the case, as the Kidderminster equaliser came from a stunning overhead kick courtesy of Amari Morgan-Smith, the Harriers striker following up on a deflected Joe McGlynn effort in spectacular fashion.

With sixteen minutes of normal time remaining, both sides pressed through the thick fog to try to find a winner, but the two sets of defences remained firm as clear-cut chances were hard to come by.

The Avenue faithful will no doubt be delighted with the resilience shown by their side to earn a point on the road at Kidderminster, but such is the ambition of manager Mark Bower that he felt a tinge of regret over the result. When asked if he was pleased with the point, Bower reflected: “overall pleased with the performance, just a little bit disappointed that we’ve not managed to hold out to get three points.” Bower was also full of praise for the travelling fans, adding “credit to our supporters, great support for us, we couldn’t actually see them from where we were when the fog came down, but they made themselves heard”.

The point means Bradford (Park Avenue) remain 17^th in the Vanarama National League North, three points above the relegation zone. Next up for the Avenue is the visit of promotion hopefuls Chorley this Saturday. Despite only one loss in eight games, it is now no wins in five for the Green Army. Having played more games than most of the sides below, Avenue will be hoping to make the most of home advantage before back-to-back away fixtures next week.

FULL TIME: KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 1-1 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

(31’) GOAL – Kidderminster Harriers 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Jordan Preston

(73’) GOAL – Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue) – Amari Morgan-Smith

Attendance – 2,193

Writer: Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter)

12 Jan 2023

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (07/01/23)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

As we enter the new year we will be eagerly awaiting PL funds being distributed, BT streaming being made available, hopefully for the two regional leagues as well as the main league and progress by the government on the Fan-led Review of Football.

Chapters 7 and 8 of the Review refer to supporters specifically and the creation of a ‘Shadow Board’ and a ‘Golden Share’. The Supporter set-up, however constituted, may need to be ratified by the Financial Conduct Authority as some kind of Community Benefit Society.

The suggestion is that a shadow version of a club’s Board can be consulted and kept updated on off-field, confidential financial matters (specifically not on team matters) and that the Golden Share will confer rights on, and refer to, heritage decisions such as stadium relocations, first team colours and the club name, for example. Clearly this is to prevent the repeat of past failures. (Where was this idea when we needed them back in the 70s?)

At the moment our own Supporters Development Fund is potentially the sort of collective supporters’ body that could be converted into, or act as, a Shadow Board, if that is the way an Independent Regulator decides to go. We shall have to wait and see, but if the government finds the time and inclination to legislate for an Independent Regulator, then all clubs and their loyal supporters will need to find solutions.

Hopefully this review will also mean more funds flowing down the pyramid to non-league clubs to sustain viability. The belief is that this will also expose reckless owners who go splashing vast unearned money on players in the pursuit of promotion and short-term glory. Certainly regular FCA reporting would help to identify irregular funding promptly.

Gareth is planning to come to the UK in February and will want to see how best to proceed on this matter and the Board is open to supporter proposals and ideas as to how to find a solution that satisfies supporters and the Board. It is best to be prepared for any changes that may come from any new Independent Regulator than to rush at the last minute into changes.

Off the field our athletics partner, Bradford and Airedale Athletics Club (BAAC) are currently helping us to find grants and funding to re-lay the running track and improve field athletics facilities at Horsfall. This should help to attract several local athletics clubs to consider using Horsfall much more often. This is a big piece of work, if and when it happens. We are already planning big events to help with funding this plan and will keep you updated.

Horsfall’s reputation as a multi-sport venue would be further enhanced by similar investments we may uncover and we will be fast becoming South Bradford’s main sporting hub. Our small, Horsfall team are getting good advice from key influencers and tapping into ideas from the City of Culture planning. All this will eventually help to fill the coffers and give us more for first team investment.

Hopefully we can uncover local businesses and individuals keen to join us on this exciting journey. These projects need local investment from those who are wanting to improve opportunities for the community and facilities which invest in the future of the area and ultimately support the club in its survival and progress. Let us know if you find any investors who want to come and invest in the future with us.

Back on the field you will have seen our first Academy student graduate to the first team pool, so congratulations to Liam Hall on a well-deserved transition. I’m sure he won’t be the last and our best wishes go to him for his hard work and dedication.

We have had some great keepers over the years, so it’s good to see the continuing trend. Harry Hough, Bert Gebbie and John Hardie were among my early memories; no doubt our youngsters today will be remembering both George S-K and Liam in years to come.

Our second graduate has emerged too. Well done Myles La Bastide, we look forward to seeing you play soon.

Paul Armitage

#UTA

11 Jan 2023

Match Preview Double Header – Spennymoor Town (A) and Scarborough Athletic (H)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Two games in three days await the Avenue in the Vanarama National League North.

Bradford (Park Avenue) aim to extend their unbeaten run to seven games as they prepare to take on Spennymoor Town at The Brewery Field on Saturday. More importantly, the Avenue will be chasing the three points after a trio of successive draws since Christmas.

The Avenue approach this game following a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Kettering Town, a game that saw the visitors reduced to ten men before halftime and relying on a makeshift goalkeeper to guard the sticks in the form of their midfield goal scorer George Forsyth. A resolute Kettering kept Bradford (Park Avenue) at bay for 95 minutes and were saved by the woodwork three times before Jordan Preston’s stoppage time strike rescued a point for the hosts.

Spennymoor Town will be boasting their own unbeaten league run as they welcome Bradford (Park Avenue), accumulating ten points from a possible twelve in their previous four games, a streak that has seen them move six points clear of the relegation zone. The Avenue defence will need to keep a close eye on experienced attacker Glen Taylor who is now into double figures this season following his goal against AFC Telford last week. Taylor has netted three goals in his last four games for the Moors.

A win for Bradford (Park Avenue) would see them move level on points with this Saturday’s opponents, but Spennymoor Town’s superior goal difference means the Avenue would need to win by at least four goals to climb above them. The Green Army will head to The Brewery Field with fond memories of last season’s trip, a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Sam Fielding and Lewis Knight. The Avenue players will also be out to avenge their defeat to Spennymoor in the reverse fixture, with the Moors coming away from the Horsfall with a narrow 1-0 victory back in August.

You can watch the goals from our last visit to the Brewery Field on our YouTube channel below.

Just two days after the trip to Spennymoor, Bradford (Park Avenue) will be welcoming Yorkshire rivals and promotion hopefuls Scarborough Athletic to the Horsfall Community Stadium, a rearranged fixture which originally fell foul to the cold weather in mid-December.

Despite occupying one of the playoff positions, Scarborough have suffered from a dip in form in recent weeks, losing their previous two games. Bradford (Park Avenue) will also be looking to exploit the visitors’ leaky defence, with the Seadogs having conceded 40 goals in 25 games this season, the fifth highest total in the National League North, and have not kept a clean sheet since their away win at Buxton in mid-November.

However, despite struggling to plug the gaps in defence, Scarborough have certainly not been shy in front of the opposition goal, their tally of 45 goals scored being second only behind league leaders Darlington. Scarborough manager Jonathan Greening (famously part of Manchester United’s treble winning squad in 1999) will look to call upon experienced forward Michael Coulson, who has averaged 0.56 goals per game this season with 11 in 23 appearances for the North Yorkshire side.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will still be wondering how they did not win the reverse fixture between these sides back in August. The Green Army were leading 2-0 at The Flamingo Land Stadium and looked set to secure what would have been their first win of the season, only for former Halifax Town forward Dom Tear to net two goals in the final five minutes to share the spoils.

Instead, Avenue fans of a certain age may choose to look back fondly on the only other competitive encounter between the two sides. In November 1959, Fourth Division Bradford (Park Avenue) thumped non-league Scarborough FC 6-1 in the FA Cup first round, with the latter eventually replaced by phoenix club Scarborough Athletic following dissolution in 2007. With the games coming thick and fast in the second half of the season, points are imperative for the Green Army to ensure they are looking up the table instead of over their shoulders.

Match Previews by Stephen Grimshaw

Saturday 14^th January – Spennymoor Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

Kick off: 3pm

Location: The Brewery Field, Wood Vue, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6JN

Getting there by train: Durham train station is located 6.1 miles away from The Brewery Field. From the station it is easy to get a taxi to the ground or to hop onto the number 6 bus route. There is also the option of Darlington Train Station, which is located 15.3 miles from The Brewery Field. There is the option of a taxi from the station, or you can jump on the number 8 bus route, both of which take around 35 minutes.

By bus: The number 6 bus route direct from Durham City centre bus station drops off directly outside The Brewery Field, collecting from the station every ten minutes from 6.40am onwards.

By car: Spennymoor Town Football Club advise visiting fans not to park around the private streets surrounding The Brewery Field. Due to parking restrictions operating on a matchday, the club recommend making use of public transport wherever possible.

Turnstiles: Visiting supporters arriving at The Brewery Field have the option to enter from two different turnstiles. The Wood Vue turnstiles, located on the South East corner of the ground or the Tees Crescent turnstiles located on the South West corner of the ground.

Tickets can be purchased in advance here, or on the turnstiles with Cash or Card.

Prices:

Adults: £15

Concessions (60+): £10

Juniors (u18s): £5

Monday 16^th January – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Scarborough Athletic

Kick off: 7:45pm

Where To Find Us:

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC, Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD6 2NG

Directions By Car:

Directions By Train:

Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.

From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below):

Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).

From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.

Directions By Bus:

From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682.

These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.

Turnstiles:

The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road. Matchday prices for league games are as follows:

Adult – £14

Concession – £10

Student – £5

Youth (12-17) – £3

Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1

11 Jan 2023

LANCASTER RETURNS ON LOAN!

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We are delighted to announce the return of Will Lancaster, on loan from Barnsley until the end of the season.

Will re-joins having played 8 games for the Avenue in his previous spell and is available for selection straight away

On the deal Mark said ‘its great to get Lanny back, we are a bit short on players in that area of the pitch and we know what we are getting from him. Lanny did well for us in his previous spell and hopefully he continues that form now.

We can also confirm that following Reece Staunton’s injury we have decided to not pursue our appeal against his red card.

10 Jan 2023

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1 – 1 Kettering Town

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Reports, First Team News, News | 0

Six unbeaten for the Avenue after late equaliser secures vital point.

Bradford (Park Avenue) came from behind with a stoppage time equaliser from Jordan Preston to earn a 1-1 draw in what was at times an ill-tempered affair with Kettering Town on Saturday.

The Avenue came into the game on the back of a five game unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League North, but it was the visitors who struck first. Kettering made their early pressure count on 26 minutes when George Forsyth rounded off a well-worked corner as his effort looped over Avenue keeper Sykes-Kenworthy and into the goal.

Undeterred by the early setback, the Kettering opener seemed to act as a wakeup call for the Avenue with Will Longbottom’s fierce strike glancing the crossbar just minutes later.

As the first half wore on, Bradford (Park Avenue) continued to forge their way back into the game but tempers soon began to flare towards the end of the half. On the brink of halftime, the lively Longbottom found his name in the referee’s book after reacting angrily to a reckless Kettering challenge, and with seconds remaining of the first half, a melee ensued in the Kettering penalty area after a goalmouth scramble. Having consulted both of his on-field assistants, the referee adjudged Kettering goalkeeper Cameron Gregory to have lashed out at Avenue’s Jamie Spencer and brandished a red to the stopper, leaving Kettering Town to play the rest of the game with ten men and an outfield player (goal scorer George Forsyth) in goal.

However, despite their one man advantage Bradford (Park Avenue) struggled to break down the opposition’s resolute defence. Twice Avenue smashed the woodwork, and in the aftermath of the latter effort, half time substitute Harrison Hopper was brought down when challenging for the rebound. A penalty against an outfield player between the sticks seemed the perfect opportunity to net an equaliser, but Jacob Blyth’s spot kick was sent high over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Various stoppages of play during the second half meant that a hefty eight minutes of added time was signalled by the fourth official, although Bradford boss Mark Bower was aggrieved in his post-match interview that more time was not given. The home support were convinced that it just was not their day as the Avenue once again rattled the woodwork, but five minutes into stoppage time Bradford’s pressure paid off when Jordan Preston took aim from the edge of the penalty area and found the bottom corner of the net through a sea of red shirts.

Not content with the point, Bradford (Park Avenue) pushed on for a winner in the few minutes that remained but it was to no avail as the referee blew for full time. Bower expressed his disappointment with the draw and the missed opportunities in the second half, accepting that his side had created “numerous good openings with efforts on goal missing the target”. Reflecting on his side running out of time, Bower admitted, “we got the goal too late I think, if we get the goal ten or fifteen minutes earlier I think we go on and win it comfortably”.

The result leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) 17^th in the Vanarama National League North, three points ahead of Kettering Town who still occupy the final relegation spot in 21^st. Next up for the Avenue is a trip to Spennymoor Town this Saturday 14th Jan, who are currently four games without defeat. The Green Army will be hoping to stretch their own unbeaten run to seven games and avenge the 1-0 defeat inflicted upon them in the reverse fixture back in August.

Watch the highlights from the match below!

FULL TIME: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) 1 – 1 KETTERING TOWN

(26’) GOAL Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-1 Kettering Town – George Forsyth

(45+3’) RED CARD – Kettering Town – Cameron Gregory

(90+5’) GOAL – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-1 Kettering Town – Jordan Preston

Attendance – 415

Writer: Stephen Grimshaw

Our next home game is our rescheduled match vs Scarborough Athletic! The match will take place on 16th January with a 7:45pm KO.

5 Jan 2023

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Kettering Town – The Green Army welcome The Poppies in the Vanarama National League North.

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team Match Previews, First Team News, News | 0

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games as they host Kettering Town on Saturday, the first side to visit the Horsfall Community Stadium in 2023.

The Avenue head into this weekend’s encounter fresh from a gruelling festive double header with local rivals Farsley Celtic, with both West Yorkshire sides proving to be inseparable across the two fixtures. A 1-1 Boxing Day draw in what appeared to be all weather conditions at the Horsfall was followed by an entertaining 2-2 at the Citadel on New Year’s Day.

Avenue’s fiery encounter away to Farsley saw them reduced to ten men after a questionable first half red card. Avenue boss Mark Bower expressed his disappointment with the referee’s decision, but conceded the unlikeliness of a successful appeal on his side’s behalf. However, Bower was delighted with his team’s resilience as they fought back to claim a vital point in their bid to continue their climb up the league table.

The visitors this weekend currently sit in 21^st position, in the relegation zone only on goal difference behind Curzon Ashton. Incidentally the Northamptonshire-based side hold the second-worst goal difference in the National League North, a statistic Bradford (Park Avenue) will be aiming to exploit on Saturday afternoon. Despite this, Kettering will be arriving at the Horsfall in good spirits following an important 2-1 victory away to mid-table Peterborough Sports on Boxing Day, their first win in five games. The return fixture (originally scheduled for New Year’s Day) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Latimer Park, meaning Kettering will have had an extra week’s rest as they prepare to make the trip north.

The reverse fixture between Bradford (Park Avenue) and Kettering Town earlier in the season saw the Avenue pick up their first point of the campaign. Adam Nowakowski’s 80^th minute equaliser was enough to earn a 1-1 draw at Latimer Park on matchday 2. However it was this fixture last season which is arguably more memorable in Avenue minds. After two red cards in the space of five second half minutes for Bradford’s Havern and Toulson, Kettering thought they had salvaged a point with Lamine Sherif’s 89^th minute equaliser, only for Avenue’s Nicky Clee to win it with virtually the last kick of the game.

With only three points currently separating the two sides and Kettering holding a game in hand, a win on Saturday for Bradford (Park Avenue) would be vital in pulling further clear of the relegation zone.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw

Where To Find Us

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC

Horsfall Community Stadium

Cemetery Road

Bradford

West Yorkshire

BD6 2NG

Directions By Car:

Directions By Train:

Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.

From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below).

Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).

From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.

Directions By Bus:

From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682

These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.

Turnstiles:

The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road. Matchday prices for league games are as follows:

Adult – £14

Concession – £10

Student – £5

Youth (12-17) – £3

Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1

29 Dec 2022

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (26/12/22)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We’re all over the disappointment of the World Cup now and can get back to real football again! Paying millions for a four year competition is a world away from non-league in local communities. No doubt the cost of one ‘pop up’ stadium in Qatar would cover all NL budgets for a season or two.

Which gets me back to the UK Fan-led Review.

One of its early themes is the reckless pursuit of wealth by clubs and the enormous financial losses most football clubs regularly incur.

Our own plans require us to establish the solid base of a sports-led stadium developing community-led and well-supported growth for young people of all abilities, so that they can find personal and educational development and link that to activities at Horsfall.

This tends to offer value for parents and their children at affordable levels and meaningful activity to harness youthful energy. Combining sport and non-academic education allows for personal growth and achievement and whether it is linked to soccer at Avenue, rugby at West Bowling or athletics with Bradford and Airedale, or even all three, we are moving towards organising age group progress and improving facilities for all those users.

It takes time and money to do this and each of our anchor users are moving along similar lines and uncovering funding and volunteers to create the vision.

We have relied on substantial grants and some loans, along with very generous contributions from our own benefactor to get us this far and we are all well aware that financial viability is essential.

Bradford has a good history of philanthropic benefactors over decades. My own favourite is Titus Salt as I was born in that neck of the woods, but there were many others and it would be good to see those who have made good in the city returning benefits for such good causes and getting involved in the quest for a viable sports stadium that aims to help youngsters.

It is proving to be only a little easier to find grants than to find patronage from entrepreneurs these days, but we are all keen to find the new patrons.

Running a football club is almost by definition a pathway to insolvency if we don’t manage the finances well and finding the next generation of players to eventually win a World Cup starts at the grassroots, which is where our investment plans start.

Here at Avenue we older supporters know only too well that the sudden loss of a benefactor can create havoc and Gareth knows that too. All benefactors must share the concerns of how their legacy is perceived, so finding the numbers of supporters or the individuals needed is a perpetual quest. Hopefully it will be more successful than seeking the Holy Grail!

See you again in what we all hope will be the Happy New Year and more NLN points.