Welcome to today’s edition of AVENUE, the must-have matchday read, available for just £3 in the Clubhouse! We’ve lined up an exciting array of content to keep you informed, entertained, and inspired as we host Sherwood Colliery at Horsfall Community Stadium. Here’s what’s in store:

From the Boardroom

Director Paul Armitage shares his thoughts on the season so far, discussing league performance, recent player movements, and key updates ahead of the Fans Forum on 13th December. He also dives into the club’s Half-Season Ticket offering and provides a transparent look into the finances driving Bradford (Park Avenue) forward.

Club Secretary’s Insights

Sheridann Dickerson gives you an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes, covering player contracts, the departure of some familiar faces, and exciting new recruits. This is your chance to stay in the loop with all the squad’s latest developments.

Opposition Insider

Take a trip down memory lane and learn about today’s visitors, Sherwood Colliery, with a fascinating history feature that dives into the roots and rise of todays opposition.

BPA Juniors in the Community

Gary Ratnik highlights the incredible work being done around Bradford schools, showcasing how the club continues to inspire and engage the next generation of players through our community programmes.

BPA Performance Centre

Discover more about our innovative Monday night sessions, tailored for grassroots players and beyond. Whether you’re a budding talent or a seasoned player, these sessions offer a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills.

Development Fund Notes

With words from Dave Stordy and Keith Bonney, get updates on fundraising efforts, our Fantasy Premier League, and how your contributions are helping to shape the future of BPAFC.

Historical Perspective

Club historian John Rhodes takes us back to December 2018 for a nostalgic look at a pivotal moment in Avenue’s history.

More Inside

From player features to exclusive club news, this edition of AVENUE is bursting with content you won’t want to miss.

Make sure to grab your copy from the Clubhouse for just £3 and immerse yourself in everything Bradford (Park Avenue). Let’s get behind the Green Army and cheer the team on to victory!

Join us at Horsfall Community Stadium today as Bradford (Park Avenue) take on Sherwood Colliery in a thrilling clash!

🆚 Opponent: Sherwood Colliery
🕒 Kick-off: 3:00 PM
🏟️ Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium

🎟️ Purchase Discounted Tickets online until 12pm – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=8649

Paying on the gate?

• £13 Adults
• £10 Concessions
• £5 Students, Blue Light & Armed Forces
• £3 Youth (12-17)
• £1 Juniors (U12s)

Bring your Green Army spirit and let’s cheer the boys to victory! 💚⚽

#BPAFC #GreenArmy #Matchday #WeAreAvenue

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Don’t miss out on the action at Horsfall Community Stadium! Secure your tickets now for our next 3 home games at a discounted price:

🟢 Saturday, 30th November
🆚 Sherwood Colliery
⏰ 3:00 PM KO

🟢 Friday, 13th December
🆚 Bridlington Town
⏰ 7:45 PM KO

🟢 Boxing Day – Thursday, 26th December
🆚 Pontefract Collieries
⏰ 3:00 PM KO

🎟️ Where to purchase:
✅ Online: Click here to book https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures/Index?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=361

Why not save even more, and commit to a Half Season Ticket! Available here or in the Horton Park Suite – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/SeasonTickets/SelectType?clubId=361

Let’s fill the stands and cheer on the Green Army! 💚⚽

#BPAFC #GreenArmy #WeAreAvenue

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce a Black Friday special offer for our upcoming home match against Sherwood Colliery, taking place this Saturday at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

As part of this fantastic deal, we’re offering discounted tickets for the big game!

🎟️ Discounted Ticket Prices (Available online til Friday 29th, or at Horsfall until Thursday 28th):

• Adults: £10
• Concessions: £8
• Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces: £5 (ID Required)
• Youths (12-17): £3
• Juniors: £1

🍽️ Discounted Hospitality Tickets:

• Table of 8: £10 per person
• Single Tickets:
  • Adults: £20
  • Concessions: £18
  • Students, Blue Light, Armed Forces: £15 (ID Required)
  • Youths: £12
  • Juniors: £11

📍 How to Purchase:

• In-Person Sales: Tickets will be available at the Horsfall Community Stadium from 1 PM to 9 PM until Thursday.
• Phone Sales: Email us on Thomas.Ogden@bpafc.com with your phone number if you would like to purchase over the phone.
• Online Sales: Digital tickets are available until Friday via Fanbase. https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=8649

Please note, regular admission prices will apply if paying on the gate.

🏟️ Match Information:

• Fixture: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Sherwood Colliery
• Date: Saturday 30th November
• Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium BD6 2NG

Don’t miss out on this incredible Black Friday deal – secure your spot today and join us for an exciting day of football!

For more information, contact us at thomas.ogden@bpafc.com.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are thrilled to announce the signing of dynamic winger and centre-forward, Iyrwah Gooden, from Bury FC for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old brings a wealth of experience and attacking quality to Horsfall Community Stadium, having previously played for clubs such as Warrington Town, Chester, Clitheroe, Workington, Worksop, Emley, and Bury.

Gooden had a standout campaign last season at Emley AFC, where he played a crucial role in their promotion as champions from the NCEL, scoring an impressive 23 goals. This season, he has continued his fine form at Bury, featuring in 25 matches , scoring 7 goals, and providing 4 assists.

The club would like to extend a huge thank you to the Development Fund for their invaluable support in securing this signing. Their continued backing has been instrumental in bringing Iyrwah to the club and strengthening our squad as we push for promotion this season.

First Team Manager Craig Elliott shared his thoughts on the signing:
“Since coming into BPA, I have been actively looking for wingers that suit my system and the way I like to play. Iyrwah is a player that ticked all my boxes for the criteria of player I wanted in my team.

“I have been trying for a while to bring him in for a few reasons, I feel he is the right age to improve, is Yorkshire-based, and fits in with our budget at BPA. So I am delighted and thankful to the Club and Development Fund for supporting this transfer.

“He’s an exciting winger that can score and create goals. This is the type of player I want to bring in for the next phase of improving the team.”

Gooden is available for selection immediately, and fans can look forward to seeing him in action this weekend. Stay tuned to our socials for updates as we visit Cleethorpes Town on Saturday for a 3pm KO.

Join us in giving Iyrwah a warm Green Army welcome! Let’s show our support as he begins his Avenue journey.

Bradford (Park Avenue) battled out a 1-1 draw with Dunston UTS in a tightly contested encounter at Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday. Both teams, eyeing a surge into the Northern Premier League East Division play-off spots, had to settle for a point in this gritty encounter.

The Green Army started brightly, creating early chances that tested Dunston goalkeeper Dan Lowson. Connor Shanks set up Ben Blythe, whose low drive forced a strong save from Lowson. Moments later, Kareem Hassan-Smith’s inviting cross caused panic in the Dunston defence, narrowly avoiding an own goal.

Avenue’s persistence paid off just after the half-hour mark. Kareem Hassan-Smith, a standout performer on the day, delivered a moment of magic. Driving down the right, he cut inside and unleashed a fierce shot across Lowson, finding the far corner to give Avenue a deserved lead.

However, just before the break, Dunston struck back with their first significant opportunity. Dan Turner equalized with a sublime curling effort from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Jack Hall no chance.

The second half saw both sides push for a winner in a game filled with high energy and commitment. Hassan-Smith continued to torment the Dunston defence, delivering dangerous balls into the box, but the visitors stood firm.

Dunston’s JJ O’Donnell had a chance to turn the game in their favor with a volley, but Hall was equal to it, keeping the game level. Avenue came closest to claiming all three points in the dying stages when Ted Lavelle unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike, only for Lowson to pull off a stunning save, tipping the ball over the bar.

• Bradford (Park Avenue) are now seventh in the table with 29 points, level with Dunston but trailing on goal difference.
• This draw maintains Avenue’s position within striking distance of the play-off places, with three points separating them from fifth-placed Stocksbridge Park Steels.

What’s Next? Avenue turn their attention to an important away fixture tomorrow night, traveling to face West Yorkshire rivals Ossett United. Kick-off at Ingfield is at 7:45 pm, as Bradford (Park Avenue) look to get back to winning ways against the second-bottom side.

This Saturday, the Horsfall Community Stadium will host an enticing Northern Premier League East Division showdown as Bradford (Park Avenue) take on Dunston UTS. With both teams closely matched in form and league standing, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.

Recent Form

Looking at the last six matches, Dunston hold a slight edge as the 6th-best team in the form guide, while Avenue are positioned 8th. Both sides have experienced a mix of wins, draws, and losses recently, highlighting their unpredictability but also their resilience in challenging matches. A win today could propel Avenue as high as 5th, just inside the playoffs, if results go our way.

League Standings

The league table shows just how close these two sides are. Dunston occupy 6th place with 28 points, while Bradford (Park Avenue) are breathing down their necks in 7th, also on 28 points but with an inferior goal difference. This game is effectively a six-pointer in the race for playoff spots, adding an extra layer of significance to today’s clash.

Key Players to Watch

• Dunston UTS: Scott Robson leads the line for Dunston with an impressive 8 goals this season, making him their most potent attacking threat. Supporting him are Sado Djalo and Dale Pearson, who have each contributed 7 goals, forming a dynamic trio that will test Avenue’s defense.
• Bradford (Park Avenue): For Avenue, the attacking duo of Connor Shanks and Paddy Sykes have been in scintillating form, both netting 6 goals each so far. Dan Francis adds to the offensive threat with 5 goals, while Myles La Bastide may also see a return to the Horsfall after coming of the bench vs Newton Aycliffe, following his recovery from a groin injury. New signing Jack Goodman, the Centre-Forward joining from Doncaster Rovers on loan may also make his debut for the club.

What to Expect

Both teams boast prolific forwards, and with their recent form and proximity in the table, this game could come down to who handles the pressure better. Avenue will aim to make their home advantage count and keep Dunston’s attack at bay, while the visitors will look to impose their physical and clinical style.

Match Details

• Kick-Off: 3:00 PM
• Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium
• Admission Prices:
  • Adults: £13
  • Concessions: £10
  • Students, Armed Forces & Blue Light Cardholders: £5
  • Youths (12-17): £3
  • Juniors (U12s): £1

Purchase your Half-Season tickets here! –

Get down to the stadium and cheer on the Green Army as they fight for an important three points!

#GreenArmy #BPAvDUN #NorthernPremierLeague

Bradford (Park Avenue) is thrilled to announce that right-back Kareem Hassan-Smith and left-back Dan Francis have committed to the club, signing contracts that will keep them at Horsfall Community Stadium until the end of the season.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the BPA Development Fund for their help in getting these contracts over the line.

Both players have showcased their quality and professionalism since joining the club, and their performances on the pitch have been pivotal in strengthening the squad’s defensive solidity and attacking capabilities from the flanks.

Kareem Hassan-Smith

Kareem, a dynamic and versatile right-back, has made an immediate impact with his robust defensive skills and ability to contribute to the attack. With his pace and tenacity, he has proven to be a reliable presence down the right-hand side, consistently delivering solid performances against tough opposition. Kareem has already made 18 appearances for the First Team, scoring once.

Dan Francis

On the opposite flank, Dan Francis has been a revelation for Avenue since joining this season. Known for his attacking flair and defensive composure, Dan has also brought a wealth of experience from his time playing in Germany and representing Sierra Leone at the international level. Dan has already made appearances in all 19 of our fixtures, scoring 5 times.

With both full-backs now secured, Bradford (Park Avenue) is reinforcing its intentions to compete at the highest level in the Northern Premier League East Division. Fans can look forward to seeing Kareem and Dan in action as they continue to play a crucial role in Avenue’s quest for promotion.

Northern Premier League – East Division
Venue: The Ashcourt Group Stadium
Attendance: 220
Referee: Alex Clark

Bradford (Park Avenue)’s remarkable nine-game unbeaten streak in the Northern Premier League East Division came to a halt on Saturday, as they fell 3-1 away to Newton Aycliffe. Despite a spirited fightback to equalize in the first half, Avenue couldn’t find a way back after conceding twice more in quick succession.

Newton Aycliffe opened the match with intensity, and Jack Hall was called into action within the first 15 minutes, producing an excellent save to keep the game level. Avenue responded through Ted Lavelle, whose first-time shot from the edge of the area was denied by the Aycliffe goalkeeper.

The hosts broke the deadlock soon after, catching Avenue on the counter as Liam Jarvie slipped through the defense and squeezed a shot past Hall. However, Avenue responded immediately through a moment of brilliance from Connor Shanks. Picking up the ball just outside the box, Shanks expertly cut inside his marker and unleashed a powerful strike, drawing the visitors level.

But Newton Aycliffe quickly regained the lead when Liam Adamson’s shot took a wicked deflection, leaving Hall with no chance. Minutes later, Wayne Whitfield extended Aycliffe’s advantage with a superbly struck free kick that curled into the top corner, putting Avenue two goals down before half-time.

In the second half, Avenue pushed hard to find a way back into the game, with manager Craig Elliott making a triple substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Myles La Bastide, Connor Dimaio, and Alex Francis in a bid to spark a comeback. Despite their efforts, Avenue struggled to break through Aycliffe’s resolute defense, and their best chance came when they hit the post late on.

Paddy Sykes, normally a reliable attacking presence, was replaced by Jimiel Chikukwa after a subdued performance, and Elliott threw on Jack Normanton for defender Josh Ashman as a last-ditch attempt to claw back into the game. Unfortunately, Avenue couldn’t turn their pressure into goals, and the match ended in a frustrating 3-1 loss.

Manager Craig Elliott’s Post-Match Thoughts

Following the game, Elliott expressed his disappointment:
“I’m disappointed with how we played and how we gifted them goals. They’re a good team, and fair play to them – the best team won. But we can’t gift goals like that, especially when we got it back to 1-1 so quickly. Young Jack made an error, and that can happen. I was really disappointed with how it went after that.”

The referee’s decision to award a free kick that led to Aycliffe’s third goal left Elliott frustrated:
“You just feel like it’s not your day when things like that happen. In the second half, the lads did well; they gave it a go, hit the post, and had a couple of chances. Maybe we could’ve pushed harder toward the end.”

Elliott also highlighted the absence of key players and the need for a tactical reset:
“We missed Beevs [Mark Beevers], and we tried something different. Maybe that contributed, but I’m almost glad this happened. It’s a reality check, a reminder there’s still a lot to do. I learned a lot about some players today.”

Despite the setback, Elliott remains focused on the season’s goals, acknowledging the competitiveness of the league:
“When I took over, we were in the relegation zone. Now, we’re in sixth. This league has unpredictable results, with nine or ten teams in contention. We’ll just keep chipping away and meeting our targets.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s home fixture against Dunston, Elliott expressed optimism:
“I told the lads setbacks are part of football. On Monday, I want everyone focused on training and a massive game against Dunston, one of the promotion favorites. We need to be better because there were aspects today I wasn’t happy with.”

Teams

Newton Aycliffe

1. Jim Pollard
2. Ryan Lincoln Barrow
3. Joe Ferguson
4. Alex Nelson
5. Toby Pascoe
6. Wayne Whitfield
7. Ethan Wood (C)
8. Jake Petitjean
9. Dean Thexton
10. Liam Jarvie
11. Liam Adamson
    Subs: 12. Cieran Jackson, 14. Cole Kiernan, 15. Jack Clarkson, 16. Mark Wood

Bradford (Park Avenue)

1. Jack Hall
2. Kareem Hassan-Smith
3. Dan Francis
4. Luke Hogg (C)
5. Ben Blythe
6. Josh Ashman
7. Ted Lavelle
8. Sonny Whittingham
9. Paddy Sykes
10. Connor Shanks
11. Will Calligan
    Subs: 12. Myles La Bastide, 14. Connor Dimaio, 15. Jamiel Chikukwa, 16. Jack Normanton, 17. Alex Francis

Avenue will look to regroup as they return to Horsfall Community Stadium this Saturday, facing Dunston in a crucial matchup for the play-off race.