Match Preview provided by Charlie Elliott

Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to the Yorkshire Payments Stadium this Saturday to take on relegation-threatened Brighouse Town in a 3pm kick-off, with both sides desperate for points—but for very different reasons.

With just four games remaining in the Northern Premier League East Division, Avenue currently sit 10th. While a late push could take them as high as 8th, there’s little left to play for in terms of league position. However, for the players, these final fixtures are far from meaningless. Manager Craig Elliott is already looking ahead to a serious promotion push in the 2025/26 season, and these games present a final opportunity for individuals to stake their claim for a place in next year’s squad.

For Brighouse Town, the situation is much more urgent. They are 18th in the table, just one point clear of the drop zone, with Ossett United hot on their heels. The bottom half of the table is incredibly tight—only six points separate 19th and 11th—meaning every result could make or break a season. Brighouse will be fighting for their lives, and Avenue can expect a spirited performance.

Avenue come into the fixture following a 1-1 draw against Sherwood Colliery. Jordan Preston scored in the 30th minute—his second in three games—but the hosts were pegged back by a penalty converted by Carter Widdowson. Despite the result, Avenue showed encouraging signs and will be keen to build on their performance, turning chances into goals as the season winds down.

Brighouse, meanwhile, have taken four points from their last three outings, including a damaging 4-1 defeat to Sherwood Colliery. In-form forwards Danny Edwards and Rhys Plater have each scored twice in that time and will be ones to watch this weekend.

When the two sides met at the Horsfall back in August, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Niah Payne opened the scoring for Brighouse in the 31st minute, before Dan Francis equalised just before the hour mark. A lot has changed since that encounter, but with Brighouse battling to stay in the division and Avenue players pushing to secure their futures, this weekend’s match promises to be a competitive affair.

Admission at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium is as follows:
Adults £10, Concessions £7, 12–16yrs £2, Under-12s Free.

Make the trip and support the lads. Your backing means everything.

Match Report provided by Charlie Elliott

Date: Saturday, 5th April 2025
Venue: Debdale Park
Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Bradford (Park Avenue) made the trip to Debdale Park on Saturday, 5th April to take on Sherwood Colliery in a competitive Northern Premier League East Division clash. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Jordan Preston opening the scoring for Avenue in the first half, before Carter Widdowson equalised from the penalty spot early in the second half.

Avenue started brightly, controlling possession and moving the ball confidently, creating problems for the home side. Early efforts from inside and outside the box tested the Sherwood goalkeeper, who was forced into a couple of smart saves.

Despite their dominance, Avenue couldn’t find the breakthrough early on. Sherwood had a good chance in the 22nd minute when Robson Doolan struck well from the edge of the box, but Cameron Mason produced a fantastic save to keep the score level. Gabriel Wadsworth also had a go from distance for Avenue, but his effort lacked power.

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute. Avenue sliced through Sherwood’s midfield with slick passing, and Sonny Whittingham delivered a pinpoint cross from just outside the box. Paddy Sykes met it with a powerful header that was brilliantly saved by Jordan Pierrepont, but Sykes reacted quickly to square the rebound to Jordan Preston, who slotted the ball home from close range to make it 1-0.

Sherwood responded almost immediately with a ball over the top to Charlie Clements, but he failed to make solid contact, and Mason collected comfortably. Just before the break, Whittingham nearly doubled Avenue’s lead with a curling effort that went narrowly wide.

Early in the second half, Preston held the ball up well before laying it off to Sykes, who drove into the box but blazed his shot over the bar. Moments later, Sherwood launched another long ball forward, with Alexander Duhameau getting in behind the Avenue defence. As he touched the ball past Mason, the Avenue keeper brought him down. The referee pointed to the spot and Mason received a booking. Carter Widdowson stepped up and sent Mason the wrong way to level the score at 1-1 in the 54th minute.

Sherwood grew into the game and continued to exploit balls in behind Avenue’s defence. Mason had to rush out and head clear under pressure, but the ball fell kindly for Sherwood. Clements fired a shot off the post, and William Gillies’ follow-up was superbly saved by Mason.

Clements remained a threat and soon found Harry Bircumshaw unmarked in the box, but once again, Mason pulled off a tremendous save to keep the scores level.

Avenue gradually regained control and began to string passes together again. Sykes had another chance after Josh Ashman flicked the ball into his path, but his near-post effort was well saved by Pierrepont.

As the match became more open, Sherwood looked dangerous going forward, particularly through Clements. In one dramatic moment, a defensive slip left Avenue facing a four-on-one situation, but captain Mark Beevers made a heroic block to deny a certain goal.

Iyrwah Gooden impressed down the left, beating his marker and fizzing a dangerous cross into the box which nearly deflected in off a Sherwood defender for an own goal, but the ball somehow stayed out.

Avenue pushed hard in the final 10 minutes. Myles La Bastide cut inside from the right and struck a powerful effort towards the near post, but Pierrepont made another good stop. Deep into stoppage time, Avenue failed to clear their lines and Ewan Robson unleashed a well-struck volley from inside the area, but Mason held on once more to secure a point.

The game ended level, with both sides sharing the spoils in a hard-fought encounter that saw strong performances from both goalkeepers.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce that right-back Kareem Hassan-Smith has committed his future to the club, signing a new deal that will see him remain at the Horsfall Stadium until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Kareem, a dynamic and versatile defender, made an instant impact after arriving in June 2024. Known for his pace, tenacity, and attacking intent, he quickly established himself as a fan favourite, providing both defensive solidity and forward momentum down the right-hand side.

Before an unfortunate injury in December against North Ferriby ended his season early, Kareem had made 21 appearances for The Avenue, scoring 2 goals and consistently impressing with his energetic performances.

We’re thrilled to see Kareem continue his journey in green and white and look forward to his return to action in the 2025/26 campaign.

You can purchase your 25/26 season ticket now, and with the Early Bird price of just £75 for Adults & Concessions, you don’t want to miss out! Purchase now on the link below.

Bradford (Park Avenue) is making football more affordable than ever, unveiling huge reductions in season ticket prices for the 2025/26 campaign.

For a limited time only, fans can secure a season ticket for just £75, covering all 21 home league games. That works out at just £3.57 per match—a massive saving compared to last season’s £125 price.

Digital Season tickets through Fanbase will be available soon. Stay tuned for the link!

The Early Bird offer is available until 30th June, giving supporters the best possible value as the club pushes for promotion next season.

Early Bird Season Ticket Prices (Available Until 30th June)

• Adults & Concessions – £75 (£3.57 per game)
• Fans with a Blue Light Card, EFL & NL Season Ticket, Armed Forces, Students – £50 (£2.38 per game)
• Youth (12-17) – £30 (£1.43 per game)
• Under-12s – £10 (£0.48 per game)

Prices will rise after 30th June to:

• Adults & Concessions – £125
• Fans with a Blue Light Card, Armed Forces, Students, Youth (12-17) – £80
• Under-12s – £20

McStravick: “We Believe Promotion is Possible with Your Support”

Bradford (Park Avenue) is committed to making football accessible for all, especially in challenging financial times.

Sporting & Executive Director, Tom McStravick, said:
“We are delighted to offer such a fantastic early bird discount to encourage our loyal fans to renew, re-engage with the club, and attract new supporters. Our aim is promotion next season. Of course, getting promoted from any division is difficult, but with your support, we believe we can make it happen.”

Despite these price reductions, the club is facing rising costs. Changes to employer’s national insurance, national living wage, and business rates will increase expenses by over £20,000 in 2025/26.

Help Support the Club – Donations Welcome

While ticket prices are being cut for fans, the club still needs to raise extra funds to support its future. Supporters can contribute to the club’s promotion push by making a voluntary donation when purchasing their season ticket.

How to Donate:

• Add a donation at checkout when buying your season ticket online.
• To avoid processing fees, donate directly:
  📌 Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC CIC
  📌 Sort Code: 20-76-92
  📌 Account Number: 93972291
  📌 Reference: Donation

Every penny goes towards making Bradford (Park Avenue) stronger – thank you for your support!

Matchday Admission Prices for 2025/26

🔹 Pay on the Gate (POTG):

• Adults & Concessions – £12
• Fans with a Blue Light Card, EFL & NL Season Ticket, Armed Forces, Students, Youth (12-17) – £5
• Under-12s – £1

🔹 Online Prices (via Fanbase):

• Adults & Concessions – £10
• Fans with a Blue Light Card, EFL & NL Season Ticket, Armed Forces, Students, Youth (12-17) – £5
• Under-12s – £1

Secure Your Seat Now!

Season tickets are on sale now, but prices increase after 30th June – so don’t miss out!

📢 Be part of the Avenue’s journey next season!

👉 Purchase your season ticket here: bpafc.com/product/2025-26-season-tickets/

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to welcome 606 Gym as our official sleeve sponsor for the 2025/26 season!

Our Commercial Director Pete Kenyon met with owner Corydon Larkin at 606 Gym earlier this week.

606 Gym is a state-of-the-art fitness facility offering expert coaching and top-tier equipment. As part of this exciting partnership, our First Team and U19s will be using 606 Gym’s facilities to support their training and performance throughout the season.

We are thrilled to have 606 Gym on board and look forward to working together to enhance the fitness and conditioning of our players.

A huge thank you to 606 Gym for their support—we can’t wait to see their branding proudly displayed on our kits!

📅 Saturday, 29th March 2025
📍 Horsfall Community Stadium
💷 £3 – On sale in the Clubhouse, Tuck Shop/Horton Park Suite, and Café

Bradford (Park Avenue) welcomes Cleethorpes Town to the Horsfall Community Stadium this afternoon, and our latest matchday programme is packed with exclusive content for just £3!

WHAT’S INSIDE?

🔹 Manager’s Notes – Craig Elliott
Our boss reflects on recent performances, squad developments, and the challenge posed by Cleethorpes Town.

🔹 From the Boardroom – Paul Armitage
Director Paul Armitage shares his insights on the club’s progress, plans, and the importance of fan support.

🔹 Opposition Insider – Cleethorpes Town
A detailed look at today’s visitors, their history, key players, and how they’ve fared in the 2024/25 season.

🔹 Season Stats
All the important numbers from Avenue’s campaign so far, including top scorers, latest form, and league position.

🔹 Development Fund – Dave Stordy
An update on our ongoing club development initiatives and how supporters can get involved.

🔹 Fantasy Premier League – Keith Bonney
The latest from Avenue’s FPL competition, including top managers, standings, and key transfer tips.

🔹 This Week in History

• 28th March 2016 – John Rhodes takes a trip down memory lane to a clash with Harrogate Town.
• 1928/29 Season – Tim Clapham revisits a historic campaign in Avenue’s long and proud history.

📢 GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
The programme is available for £3 and can be purchased from the Clubhouse, Tuck Shop/Horton Park Suite, and Café.

Thank you for your support – enjoy the match! 💚⚽ #GreenArmy

Bradford (Park Avenue) are excited to announce two fantastic new signings as we continue to strengthen the squad!

Firstly, we’re thrilled to welcome Dan Vost to the club on a Youth Loan from Huddersfield Town! 🎉 Dan, a versatile talent, has been part of Huddersfield’s B Team since 2022, having previously started his journey in the Everton Youth Programme. His impressive progress earned him a debut for Huddersfield’s First Team earlier this season in the Virtu Trophy against Doncaster Rovers. Dan also gained valuable experience on loan at Warrington Town in the National League North, featuring in a 0-0 draw against Farsley Celtic. He will be with us until the end of the season, and we can’t wait to see him in action at Horsfall Community Stadium!

Additionally, John Lupaka from our U19s has earned a promotion to the First Team until the end of the 2024/25 season! 🎉 John, a first-year scholar in our Football Education Programme, has been a standout striker in the Youth Alliance League, scoring 7 goals in 13 appearances this season. Since joining First Team training in November, he has impressed Manager Craig Elliott and has earned a well-deserved spot in the senior squad.

Speaking on the progression of the young forward, U19s Lead Coach Owen Murphy said:

“John’s work ethic, attitude, and natural ability in front of goal have made him a standout performer in the Youth Alliance League. He has embraced the challenges put in front of him, and this opportunity is a testament to his dedication. We’re extremely proud to see him progress into the First Team, and I have no doubt he will continue to develop at this level.”

Reflecting on his step up to the senior setup, John Lupaka expressed his gratitude and excitement:

“It’s a proud moment for me to sign with the First Team. I’ve learned so much from my time with the U19s, and training with the senior players has helped me improve massively. I’m grateful to the coaches and my teammates for their support, and I can’t wait to make the most of this opportunity.”

Sign up for next Tuesday’s trials for the Football Education Programme here

We’re excited to see what the future holds for John at Bradford (Park Avenue).

Welcome to the club, Dan and John! 💚⚽️

#GreenArmy #NewSignings #FootballEducation #YouthLoan

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to action at Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday, 29th March, as we take on Cleethorpes Town in a crucial Northern Premier League East fixture. Kick-off is at 3PM – and you can save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance!

DISCOUNTED ONLINE TICKET PRICES:

• Adults: £10 (£13 on the gate)
• Concessions: £8 (£10 on the gate)
• Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces: £5 (Same on gate)
• Youth (12-17): £3 (Same on gate)
• Juniors (U12s): £1 (Same on gate)

Secure your discounted tickets now:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=8658

Match Details:

• Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Cleethorpes Town
• Saturday 29th March
• 3PM Kick-Off
• Horsfall Community Stadium, BD6 2NG

Join us at Horsfall as we push for another big result in front of the Green Army! Your support makes all the difference. #BPAvsCLE #GreenArmy