INTERVIEW | Jacob Blyth talks on breaking his duck, his goal vs Blyth, and our upcoming fixtures.
MATCH PREVIEW – Blyth Spartans v Bradford (Park Avenue)
Avenue could launch themselves away from danger tomorrow night with a third win on the bounce.
Tomorrow evening (25th October) The Avenue could propel themselves away from the danger zone when they travel to fellow strugglers Blyth Spartans who sit just two places above Bradford (PA) in the league table.
Since The Avenue secured that first win of the season against Curzon Ashton, they have won back-to-back games after an 86-minute penalty which was dispatched calmly by Jacob Blyth, securing victory over Hereford Town and come the final whistle tomorrow it could be a hattrick of wins for Bradford (PA).
Blyth Spartans have not won in the league since the end of August when they beat Buxton 2-1 away from home, since then they have only managed three points out of their last five games all of which have come at home.
The last five meetings between these two sides have predominantly seen the Avenue come out on top beating them three times and drawing twice, with the last away win against Blyth ending in a 3-1 victory for the Avenue at the end of last season.
A win tomorrow could see the Avenue climb as high as 18th in the league depending on the score line and other results going in their favour and could set them in good stead when they host high flying Brackley Town at the weekend.
(Park Avenue) have had a torrid start to the season losing seven of their opening league games and it looked as though that first win would never come as they lingered above the trap door, but if Bradford (Park Avenue) could go on a little run, it would give their survival chances a huge boost.
Writer: James Fletcher
Standing Tickets are priced online at £12 for Adults, £7 for Concessions, £5 for 11-16s and Students, and £3 for under 10s.
Seated tickets are priced online at £14 for Adults, £9 for Concessions, £7 for 11-16s and Students, and £2 for under 10s.
You can purchase tickets to the match on the Blyth Spartan’s website by clicking here.
MATCH REPORT – Bradford (PA) 2 – 1 Curzon Ashton
Bradford (Park Avenue) bag their first win of the season, giving them a platform to build on.
(Attendance – 464)
The long wait for Bradford’s first win of season is finally over, as they had to come from behind against mid tabled side Curzon Ashton.
(Park Avenue) came out all guns blazing as their hunt for the first win of the season grows ever desperate and as they piled men forward came up against a Curzon brick wall with chance after chance going begging.
Bradford did have the ball in the back of the net from a corner, but the referee deemed there an unfair challenge and ruled out the goal much to the (Park Avenue’s) frustration, and then with 4 minutes from half time Curzon Ashton opened the scoring with pretty much their first meaningful chance, Mahon cut inside from the wing, creating some space for himself before he curled his effort into the top corner.
(Park Avenue) didn’t let their heads drop after the opening goal went against them, as they went into the second half with Church having chance after chance, Sykes-Kenworthy did have to keep his concentration and made some crucial saves to keep the score line at 1-0 going into the latter stages of the game.
10 minutes from time Bradford’s hard work throughout the game finally paid off through super sub -Will Longbottom, wo latched onto a Staunton cross to level the game, and then just a minute later Oli Johnson put the Avenue in front for the first time of the game.
But (Park Avenue) had to bear down the hatches for the remaining 9 minutes as the referee added 4 minutes on at the end of the 90, but with some dogged defending and more excellent last ditched saves from Kenworthy Bradford were able to hold on to their first home win of the season.
Mark Bower praised his side for their diligence and relentlessness as he told the Park Avenue media.
“I thought we deserved to win the game, I thought after the first half that we were the better side, but having a goal disallowed, a penalty decision that didn’t go our way and then their right backfires it in from 25 yards, it felt as though it was going to be one of those days.”
“But the lads dug deep and didn’t give up, the lads showed great character, and everyone goes home happy, and its nice to close that gap with teams above us.”
You can watch the full match highlights by clicking here, or by pressing play below.
Team: Sykes-Kenworthy, Lucas Odunston, Reece Staunton, Jamie Spencer (Longbottom 77′), Luca Havern (C), Sam Fielding, Harrison Hopper, Simon Richman, Jacob Blyth, Brad Dockerty (Church 5′), Thomas Angell (Johnson 66′).
Subs: Will Longbottom – Goal 84′, Eddie Church, Lloyd Smith, Oli Johnson – Goal 85′, Adam Nowakowski.
BPA Men’s Fit Club I National League Trust Project with THCT & BPA Academy
The Academy have teamed up with the National League Trust and The Horsfall Community Trust to deliver a project to 20 men to help with their health and general wellbeing. The project will provide fun structured coaching sessions along with some sound advice around healthy eating habits, how to easily improve / increase daily and weekly physical activity to help with weight-loss and general wellbeing. GPS technology will be provided to measure impact of training and fitness.
A celebration event will be held to highlight the achievements of each participant. Hospitality will be provided at a BPA men’s first team game.
The project is based at the Horsfall Community Stadium and using the fantastic facilities on site. Anyone interested in joining should email thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com or contact on 07821579451.
PLAYERS AND COACHES WANTED!
Bradford (Park Avenue) Ladies are looking for individuals who have a passion for sports and community football to join our Ladies team as a volunteer coach. This role would be based at the Horsfall, with training taking place from 7:30pm-9pm during pre-season and 8pm-9pm during the season.
A level 1 coaching badge is desirable, but not required for the role. Matchdays are Sundays with a 2pm Kick Off.
As well as coaches, we are also recruiting players for both our Ladies First and Development Teams. Ages 16+
You will be joining a strong squad of experienced players, and the club can offer a good pathway with our partnership with Bradford City.
Our ladies teams play in the West Riding County WFL and the North East Regional WFL, as well as competing in the F.A. Cup and the County Cup.
To register your interest, please email Neal at ladies@bpafc.com
BPAFC to support Shelter’s #NoHomeKit
This Boxing Day, Bradford (Park Avenue) are supporting homeless charity Shelter with #NoHomeKit for our tie v York City.
In the space of one 90-minute football match, 25 households are made homeless.
The lads will wear the Away Red, Amber and Black kit on Sunday.
More than 180,000 households have been made homeless since the beginning of the pandemic, with families, including children, being placed in unsuitable hostels.
You can help support the effort by donating to Shelter online, or by texting ‘HOME’ to 70455 to donate £5 to Shelter. There will also be a bucket collection on the day for donations towards the charity.
https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/clubs-gearing-up-to-ditch-their-home-shirt-to-supp-68722