Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC EMIRATES FA CUP

Bradford (Park Avenue) suffered their first defeat of the season with a narrow 1-0 loss away at Belper Town. Despite a strong start, including an early corner in the 5th minute and a long-range effort from Oli Norman in the 12th, both comfortably dealt with by the Belper keeper, Avenue couldn’t find the breakthrough.

Belper Town’s first significant chance came in the 17th minute when Keaton August found space but missed the target. The hosts grew into the game, but the first half ended goalless despite a free kick in the 35th minute after Alex Francis fouled former Avenue player Luke Rawson.

Avenue came out stronger in the second half, creating opportunities through Kelan Swales, Paddy Sykes, and Dan Francis, but they were unable to capitalize. A crucial yellow card for Dan Francis in the 62nd minute showed Avenue’s commitment to keeping the game level.

Belper made key substitutions, including bringing off Keaton August for Nathan Whitehead in the 59th minute. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Ben Rhodes scored with a diving header, leaving Avenue chasing the game.

Late substitutions by both teams, including Theo Hudson replacing Harry Colville for Avenue, couldn’t change the outcome. Despite four minutes of added time, Avenue couldn’t find the equalizer, and the match ended 1-0.

Avenue will look to bounce back quickly as they return to Horsfall Stadium this weekend, aiming for success in the FA Cup when we host Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday 17TH August, KO 3pm. We urge all Bradford supporters to come out and back Danny’s team as they push for victory.

The draw has been made for the 2RQ of the Emirates FA Cup, and we travel away to Blyth Spartans on Saturday 16th September!

Kick Off is set for 3pm, and admission prices will be posted as soon they are made available to us.

Mark Bower’s side have one more league game next Saturday 9th September, travelling to FC United of Manchester, before making the trip to Croft Park on Saturday 16th September.

The Green Army could go into the game 6 unbeaten if they can gain any points from their visit to Broadhurst Park, and can take confidence from some good performances.

We spoke to Mark Bower before the draw, on how far we can go in the competition, and he had this to say;

“Its unfamiliar territory for us, over the last few years we’ve not had much luck with draws, but we’ll go wherever we have to go, and do our best.”

“I think the lads can take confidence from being unbeaten in 5, and we’ve been winning in different ways too.”

“The lads can go and give it their best shot, and if they do like we did at Consett, then we have a chance.”

Park Avenue fans will remember Blyth from our time in the National League North, most recently in the 2022/23 season, we played out a 0-1 loss at the Horsfall, and a 1-0 win earlier in the Season away at Croft Park.

In our last 8 meetings with the Spartans, Avenue have won 4, drawn 3, and lost 1.

You can watch some of our previous encounters by clicking on the games below.

Match highlights from BPAFC v Blyth Spartans. Played on 20th February with a crowd of 464.

HIGHLIGHTS | Blyth Spartans 0-1 Bradford Park Avenue

Jacob Blyth scores the winner with an assist from Eddie Church against Blyth Spartans. Played 25/10/22.

HIGHLIGHTS | Blyth Spartans 1-3 Bradford Park Avenue