25 Apr 2023

Match Preview Double-Header – Alfreton Town (H) and AFC Fylde (H)

Maximum points the minimum requirement for Avenue.

Bradford (Park Avenue) remain alive in the National League North heading into the final two league games of the season, however they must win both fixtures and rely on results elsewhere to stand a chance of survival.

The Green Army will be hoping their recent revival is not a case of too little, too late, having put together an impressive five-game unbeaten run to close the gap on the sides above. Sitting six points from safety with two games remaining, the first of which is a game in hand, the Avenue will need to win both of their remaining fixtures and hope that Leamington, Blyth Spartans and Kettering Town all lose on the final day. There will also need to be a five-goal swing, with Bradford’s goal difference being four less than 20^th placed Kettering. If the stars align and all of these permutations fall into place, Bradford (Park Avenue) will be a National League North club again next season.

On Wednesday evening, the Avenue will welcome play-off hopefuls Alfreton Town to the Horsfall Community Stadium in a fixture that was twice re-arranged last month, first because of the weather and again, two days later due to travel issues for the away side.

Alfreton’s league position has improved since the postponements, and The Reds will travel to West Yorkshire in fourth place knowing that a win would guarantee a play-off spot before facing a tricky away trip to fifth placed Brackley Town on the final day.

The Avenue defence will no doubt be aware of the threat posed by Alfreton’s experienced forward and top scorer Matt Rhead. The 38-year-old has netted an impressive 13 league goals this season, including one in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at home to Blyth Spartans.

The reverse fixture saw Bradford (Park Avenue) pick up a hard-fought point in a goalless draw at North Street back in November. The Green Army will also remember with fondness the last time Alfreton Town visited the Horsfall. A stunning second-half performance from the Avenue back in February 2022 saw them run out 5-0 winners against this weekend’s visitors. In fact, Bradford (Park Avenue) hold an impressive record when hosting Alfreton, unbeaten in their previous six encounters between the pair in BD6.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will then turn their attention to their final league game of the season as they host title-chasing AFC Fylde on Saturday in a fixture that could have major implications at both ends of the table. The Coasters were well on course for winning the league until back-to-back respective losses earlier this month against Spennymoor Town and Kidderminster began to cast doubt on their title-winning credentials. At the time of writing, AFC Fylde sit in second place, one point away from leaders King’s Lynn Town with a superior goal difference and a game in hand away to Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night. A win there would mean they head to the Horsfall in pole position to lift the league title on Saturday. Either way, Bradford (Park Avenue) will hope to throw a spanner in the works in front of their own fans.

Another accolade that AFC Fylde will be hoping to secure this season is that of the National League North top scorer. Attacking midfielder Nick Haughton currently leads the way with 24 goals this season, including four last time out in a 5-1 victory over struggling Leamington. Bradford (Park Avenue) have already been stung by Haughton this season, with the Fylde star netting twice in the reverse fixture, a 3-1 away defeat for the Green Army back in September.

If Bradford (Park Avenue) are to pull of the great escape they will need to improve their dismal head-to-head record against AFC Fylde, having never beaten them in league or cup since the latter were founded as Kirkham and Wesham in 1988.

This really is a crucial week for Bradford (Park Avenue), and the club needs you to back Bradford, starting with Wednesday’s visit of Alfreton Town. Adults and concessions can attend the game for a reduced price of just £5, with Director of Football Martin Knight on hand at the clubhouse after the game for a Q&A with fans. Why not get behind the Green Army and contribute to what could be the greatest escape in National League North history!

Match Previews by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)

Wednesday 26^th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Alfreton Town

Kick off: 19:45

Tickets for this game are reduced! Pay on the gate with cash or card:

Adult – £5

Concession – £5

Youth – £3

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

Director of Football Martin Knight will be at the game and available for Q&A.

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:

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.

Saturday 29^th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs AFC Fylde

Kick off: 15:00

21 Apr 2023

LA-BASTIDE LA MAN FOR AVENUE!

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

We can confirm today that Academy player Myles La-Bastide has today penned his first professional contract with Bradford (Park Avenue), signing a 2 year deal with the club.

Myles first appeared for the First Team in our County Cup match vs Brighouse Town, and made his first league appearance against Chester in February.

Since then, La-Bastide has made 4 starts in our last 4 games, and helped Avenue gain 8 points out of 12, including a goal vs Southport and assisting Harrison Hoppers goal against Banbury.

Speaking on the signing, First Team manager Mark Bower said;

“I’m delighted to get this one over the line. Myles has proved his ability over the last month while playing in the first team, from scoring his first professional goal two weeks ago, and grabbing an assist in our last match.”

“It goes to show the great work the Academy staff are doing, with this being our second professional contract from the Academy this season. A huge credit goes to Thomas McStravick and Pat McGuire.”

We also spoke to Myles on his signing, you can watch the interview on our YouTube channel below.

You can also watch Myles’ goal and assist on our YouTube channel below.

21 Apr 2023

ACADEMY SCHOLAR MYLES LA-BASTIDE SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT!

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

We can confirm today that Academy player Myles La-Bastide has today penned his first professional contract with Bradford (Park Avenue), signing a 2 year deal with the club.

Myles first appeared for the First Team in our County Cup match vs Brighouse Town, and made his first league appearance against Chester in February.

Since then, La-Bastide has made 4 starts in our last 4 games, and helped Avenue gain 8 points out of 12, including a goal vs Southport and assisting Harrison Hoppers goal against Banbury.

Speaking on the signing, Scholarship Lead Coach Pat McGuire said;

“Myles has been brilliant since returning to training in August, and has been a trailblazer for the Academy with his stand out performances.”

Myles has worked hard to develop physically and has dealt with the transition to National League football well.“

“He is a very mature and down to earth lad and I’m sure he will continue to push himself to develop over the next two years.

“He’s been a pleasure to work with daily, and all the coaching staff and players at the Academy are delighted to see him earn this contract.”

Academy Technical Director Thomas McStravick also added;

“We are delighted for Myles. He is a great example of someone who has came in, worked hard and remained patient throughout his time here.”

“Myles is a great success story for the academy and is from the first recruitment batch back in 2020.“

“Credit to Brad Smith for bringing him into the club and for the staff Andy Cooper, Pat McGuire and others who have worked with him throughout his time here. The hard work starts now for him and I wish him every success.”

We also spoke to Myles on his signing, you can watch the interview on our YouTube channel below.

You can also watch Myles’ goal and assist on our YouTube channel below.

20 Apr 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (15/04/23)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Everyone is a bit on edge because we need wins and last week we had a storming first half and lost out on three points due to a mishit cross. It was good to be part of the new streaming channel despite the early glitches. We are looking at possible streaming options for ourselves for next season, possibly with different kick-off days and times. It’s going to offer a different and additional income stream if we need it.

For next season Calum will take over the programme shop unit and develop it as a programme, kit and retail shop, with Dave continuing to give advice on old programmes. Dave has done amazing work over many years and raised thousands through his knowledge and efforts. This allows him a little more time for himself and other fund-raising ideas for BPA whilst still retaining his expertise.

What is currently the kit room will become another retail shop, possibly with more food and drink selling space.

Classroom facilities have been improved this week by Ben and Neil so we can cater for an increased number of Academy students and we are looking to keep some lads on for degree courses in related Sports studies.

We are still working on a grant to improve the grass pitches, related lighting and car park areas, all of which require attention. The rain gully and pipes at the rear of the main stand need fixing and we must make the camera gantry better as well as the gents toilets by the programme shop. Any offers of help or advice on fixing infrastructure problems should be directed to Calum and Neil. We have inherited quite a few of these issues as the council didn’t have funds to keep Horsfall in the best state or repair. This adds to our costs.

Calum is already working on pre-season friendlies, the next season ticket offers and the new kit deal and is starting to get traction on regular Horsfall events offers. Your support is always welcome.

As far as the league is concerned, Fylde and Kings Lynn are struggling to jump ahead of each other on the champion’s position and the play-off positions are still not easy to predict, though Chester are nailed on. Relegation battles continue and with a couple of wins for us, clubs above us would start to worry.

As yet we still don’t know whether all the NL pitch and accounting standards have been met yet by all clubs so it’s possible that fourth from bottom may yet survive. All to play for, though Telford are down and out and Scunthorpe will be a NLN team next season.

King’s Lynn ‘lost’ their manager to Aldershot and Brackley sacked their manager having only appointed him this year, with skipper Gaz Dean now taking over. Teams up at the top seem to have their money troubles and the NLN has had its least predictable season for a long time and no doubt has more twists and turns to come

Let’s start a winning run today, please get behind the lads again and let’s give them hope in upsetting the odds. They are giving it all on the pitch and there’s still hope we can survive in NLN.

19 Apr 2023

Match Preview – Hereford vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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

Great escape still on for Avenue.

Bradford (Park Avenue) travel to Hereford for their final away game of the season in fine form this weekend having closed the gap on survival to just five points, whilst still maintaining a game in hand over the sides above.

The Green Army looked dead and buried at the beginning of the month, but a four game unbeaten run has seen the Avenue pick up eight points from a possible twelve, boosting their survival hopes as many around them have faltered.

Bower’s men saw off Banbury United last time out, with a narrow 1-0 home victory courtesy of a Harrison Hopper header on the hour mark. The Avenue boss was particularly pleased with the way his side navigated the second half, acknowledging: “the lads dug in and did what they had to do without coming under too much pressure”. Speaking about the upcoming trip to Hereford, Bower emphasised the importance of bringing back all three points, adding: “we’ve just got to win haven’t we? We can’t afford any slip ups”.

This weekend’s hosts will welcome Bradford (Park Avenue) to Edgar Street feeling much more relaxed following an important away win at Peterborough Sports last Saturday. Hereford were previously on a seven-game winless streak, a run that had seen them begin to fall dangerously close to the drop zone. However, the 2-0 victory at Lincoln Road quelled any fears and secured their National League North status for another season.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will take confidence from the fact that they have already beaten The Bulls this season. The Avenue secured their second win of the season in the reverse fixture against Hereford at the Horsfall Community Stadium back in October, thanks to a late Jacob Blyth penalty. In fact, The Green Army have an excellent head-to-head record against this weekend’s hosts. In their previous eight league meetings, the Avenue have recorded five victories, drawing twice and losing just once.

The stakes are high this weekend and anything other than a win could spell the end for Bradford (Park Avenue)’s National League North safety hopes depending on results elsewhere. However, if the Avenue were to bring all three points back to West Yorkshire, it would give them the opportunity to take the survival battle down to the wire with two crucial home games remaining next week – a game in hand against play-off hopefuls Alfreton Town on Wednesday evening followed by a final day encounter with title-chasing AFC Fylde.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)

Kick off: Saturday 22^ndApril, 15:00

Location:

Hereford FC, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JU

For details on visiting Edgar Street, click click here

Tickets:

Tickets can be bought from the Hereford FC ticket office, or online by clicking here. The following information has been taken from the Hereford FC club website:

‘ADVANCE’ TICKET PRICES (online)

SEATING
Adult: £18
Concession*: £15.50
U21 Student**: £9
U16***: £3

TERRACE

Adult: £15.50
Concession*: £13
U21 Student**: £8
U16***: £3

MATCHDAY PRICES

SEATING
Adult: £20
Concession*: £17
U21 Student**: £11
U16***: £4

TERRACE
Adult: £17
Concession*: £15
U21 Student**: £10
U16***: £4

*Concession prices apply to those in receipt of their full state pension.
**Our U21 Student price applies to all those 16-21 year olds in full time education.
***Please note all U14s must be accompanied by a responsible adult (Over 18).

13 Apr 2023

LLOYD SMITH RETURNS!

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

We can confirm today that following the end of Frickley Athletic’s season, striker Lloyd Smith has been recalled, and will be available for selection in Saturday’s game.

Lloyd netted 10 goals in 20 appearances, and won Frickley’s player of the year award for this achievement.

Welcome back Lloyd!

13 Apr 2023

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Banbury United

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

Fight for survival continues against Banbury.

Bradford (Park Avenue) continue to fight for their National League North status as they prepare to host Banbury United at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday.

The Green Army head into the game on a three-match unbeaten run, having picked up four points over the Easter weekend, a double-header which could have seen the club relegated to the Northern Premier League had results not gone their way. As it was, the Avenue got their weekend off to a great start by dispatching Southport in a comfortable 2-0 victory on Good Friday, before fighting to an impressive 2-2 draw away to promotion-chasing Darlington just three days later.

It will be another nervous weekend for the Avenue faithful as, once again, results elsewhere could see Bradford relegated if they taste defeat at the hands of Banbury United. The Green Army currently sit 23^rd on 39 points, seven points from safety and with a game in hand over other relegation-threatened sides Leamington and Kettering Town.

Manager Mark Bower will be hopeful that Will Longbottom can continue his fantastic form in recent weeks having netted three times in his previous four appearances, including both of Avenue’s goals at Darlington last time out. Likewise, academy graduate Myles La Bastide has adapted well to first team football, his late goal at home to Southport last Friday being the icing on the cake of a much-needed win for the club.

This weekend’s opposition will arrive at the Horsfall in 16^th place sitting seven points above the drop zone, knowing that a win will all but guarantee their place in the National League North for another season. The Puritans are unbeaten in their previous five matches, four of which were draws. Manager Andy Whing will be hoping midfielder Giorgio Rasulo can re-discover his goalscoring form. Nine goals in the first half of the season makes Rasulo Banbury’s top goal scorer this campaign, however the Puritans captain hasn’t found the net since a 2-1 defeat at AFC Telford United in early-December.

Banbury United’s promotion to the National League North this season meant that the reverse fixture back in November was the first time these two clubs had met in league competition. The game, a Tuesday night fixture in late-November, looked to be heading for a goalless draw when an 89^th minute winner from Banbury’s Jay Williams secured all three points for the home side. Bradford (Park Avenue) will be eager to equal the head-to-head record this Saturday in what is another must-win game for the Green Army’s survival hopes.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)

Saturday 15^th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Banbury United

Kick off: 15:00

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 (With Valid ID)

Youth (12-17) – £3

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

13 Apr 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (07/04/23)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

Last week we heard from Martin Knight on the West Yorkshire Route One Show, in discussion with Lewis Sale. The underlying story doesn’t change – running the club is an expensive job and only Gareth’s funding keeps the club alive. As I have been saying in my programme notes, there is a lack of investors locally and we need to fund the football team through our various commercial exploits to try make investment more attractive.

That means sensible commercial budgeting for the first team, improved funding of the Academy and Juniors, greater use of the stadium facilities and increased crowd appeal. The latter comes through greater success on the field, though our gates don’t seem to fluctuate wildly whether we have been high or low in the league, so the need to generate more younger supporters works in the short and longer term.

Given our moaners and armchair critics struggle to understand the financial situation and how we have two excellent champions in Calum and Tom, who work hard to boost income and control costs, I want to encourage our keen supporters to attend or organise events held at Horsfall.

There seems to be some confusion about how the separation of the stadium’s business and the football club’s finances work, so here is a brief resumé.

The charitable model (Horsfall Trust) is suitable for organisations that will be asking for money, in the form of donations, grants, bequests etc.

A CIC set-up is intended for organisations that will have primarily social purposes but will earn a significant proportion of their income from trading.

CICs are more likely to be financed through loans than grants, though grants can be won.
CICs are liable for taxes and business rates which charities don’t have to pay.
CICs have the freedom to be entrepreneurial.

The stadium company (a CIC) is aiming to pay all the costs that relate to stadium operations and when it can do that it can donate any excess funds to cover the repayment of loans that have been used for capital improvements to the stadium and most of those loan liabilities belong to the football club.

The stadium runs its own budget, which Calum has brought into shape and the organised stadium events or matches on the pitch fund stadium income. Food and drink profits from events go to the stadium. Credits from bar sales for anchor user events or match days are recorded and will be released when the stadium makes money.

Watch out for some extra, new events and matches coming up soon, thanks to Calum. That means new income!

The Academy runs its own budget, driven by funding from the parents of Junior team members or by College funding on a ‘per student’ basis.

Clearly we have to recruit these students by making the footballing pathway attractive and ensuring it gives the best coaching standards to students.

Coaches cost money, so it is important for Tom to get the best coaches so we can earn the best income and it helps to have the links already created to lower levels of men’s football teams so we can introduce keen players early to the rigours of football at that level.

The Academy and Tom’s budget come under Martin’s line management as do Mark and Danny’s work, of course.. Calum reports into Martin for his football secretary duties, which means the communication links to our league, registering players, liaising with sister clubs and organising match days.

Calum’s extensive Sunday League history of organising leagues, teams and players gives him very important knowledge of footballing matters.

Calum also leads on issues like retail sales including kits and will soon be showcasing a new deal for kits throughout the age groups, so colours, sizes and costs, all of which can be ‘emotional’ issues are his domain. Calum is a natural negotiator! Just check out the advertising boards around the pitch – far more than ever before, and increasing sponsorship deals.

The football club costs – players, managers, physio costs, NI costs, agent costs, travel costs, player loan costs, tax and accountancy costs are offset by gate income and events organised by BPA, with help also from those supporters who help to increase the Development Fund monies.

The DF supports the management if player funding is needed or if supporter facilities can be improved. The DF operates entirely independently from the stadium or football club and makes its own decisions but liaises with the football club management.

The DF has many former directors, volunteers and benefactors of BPA and has provided very useful income over many years.

As for me, I am Calum’s line manager for stadium issues and act as a sounding board for him, suggest ideas and, as a fan, I listen to fan concerns and try facilitate communications. In recent months we have held a fan’s zoom meeting, Martin has done an hour on local radio and Gareth visited from the States recently.

I am a BPA rep on the stadium board, along with the well-respected and hard-working volunteer,Neil Fawcett and I am a trustee of the Horsfall Trust, which aims to provide such things as holiday camps for local, underprivileged children, with help from the Academy coaches.

As we expand the events business, Neil is seeking extra bar staff and we are also keen to have a part-time stadium supervisor for evening work, perhaps four or five nights for four or five hours each night to ensure stadium security is maintained and for the safe use of our facilities. Calum is the person to contact if you are keen to help out.

Thanks to our two Avenue champions (Calum and Tom) we believe we are setting up some very good future plans for the club and the stadium. It helps to organise the club and stadium in this separate way, so we can help drive stadium and football improvements.

No directors receive any salaries for their work in these endeavours, and as you now know, the current costs per annum can amount to £350k, relentlessly, so the ‘plan’ is to increase club and stadium income, control costs and make Avenue and Horsfall future-proofed for survivability.

Keep watching our Facebook site for more new news.

No vanity projects, just a plan for survival and a desire to continue to improve what we do and how we do it.

You can help too. Volunteer your time, if you can, or sponsorship money, if you can, or just turn up for football. Academy games are free entry, season tickets are great value, the chips are legendary and bar prices are competitive!

5 Apr 2023

Match Preview Double-Header – Southport (H) and Darlington (A)

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

Easter double-header set for spirited Avenue.

Bradford (Park Avenue) face a nervous Easter weekend, knowing that they could be relegated from the Vanarama National League North on Monday if results don’t go their way.

First up for the Avenue on Good Friday is the visit of Southport to the Horsfall Community Stadium. The Green Army will be hosting the Sandgrounders fresh from earning a hard-fought point in a goalless draw at Curzon Ashton last Saturday, a performance that left manager Mark Bower proud of his side’s effort despite the desperate need for a win.

Southport will be making the trip to Bradford whilst occupying 15^th place in the National League North, knowing that despite their eight-point cushion from the relegation places, there is still work to do to ensure their survival in the division for another year. With only one win in their previous six matches, and having lost their last two, the Sandgrounders will be keen to get back to winning ways and avoid a nervous finish to the season.

Southport manager Liam Watson will be hoping to have top scorer Jordan Archer fit for the season’s climax. The centre-forward took his league tally into double-figures in Tuesday’s loss at home to Banbury United, and has averaged 0.38 goals per game in this campaign.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be eager to avenge the drubbing they received away to Southport earlier in the season. The Green Army went down 4-1 at Haig Avenue back in October in what was their tenth consecutive league game without a win at the start of the season. However, the loss at Southport did spark a revival in Avenue’s campaign and was followed by three wins on the bounce. The Avenue faithful will also feel that their side are long overdue a win over Friday’s opponents. Eight encounters have passed since their last victory against Southport, a 4-0 away thrashing back in December 2017.

There will be little time for rest and recuperation as Bradford (Park Avenue) will then travel to promotion-chasing Darlington on Easter Monday. The Quakers had been flying high earlier in the season but a recent run of four games without a victory has seen them slip to sixth in the league table, two points into the play-off positions albeit with a game in hand over the chasing pack.

Darlington have been particularly impressive in front of goal this season, their 68 goals scored bettered only by the league’s top two sides, AFC Fylde and Kings Lynn Town. Striker Jacob Hazel has proven to be an impressive signing after joining from Whitby Town last summer. The forward has netted 18 league goals this campaign and continues to be instrumental to Darlington’s promotion push. No doubt the Bradford-born Hazel will want to impress against a side from his hometown as he looks to become the National League North’s outright top scorer this season.

The reverse fixture between the two sides saw Darlington emerge victorious despite the Avenue taking an early lead courtesy of Jamie Spencer. The Quakers hero on that day was striker Mark Beck with a second half double. Beck’s 15 league goals in the first half of the season led to National League side Solihull Moors meeting his release clause in January. The loss of the influential Beck was surely a consideration for Darlington when securing a loan move for Avenue’s Jacob Blyth last month.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be encouraged by their impressive record in recent years at Blackwell Meadows. The Green Army have been victorious on each of their previous three visits to Darlington, the most recent being a 2-1 victory in September 2021. The Avenue faithful will understand that it is vital for this record to continue if they are to maintain their survival bid into the final weeks of the season.

Match Previews by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)

Friday 7^th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Southport

Kick off: 15:00

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 (with Valid ID)

Youth (12-17) – £3

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

Monday 10^th April – Darlington vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

Kick off: 15:00

Getting there (taken from the Darlington club website):

ADDRESS

Darlington Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NR

PARKING ON SITE

Matchday car parking at Blackwell Meadows is available on a first-come-first-served basis, at £5.00 per car. Please allow a little additional time ahead of the match and at full time to exit the car park.

There are also a number of Blue Badges spaces available, please email dave.watson@darlingtonfc.org ahead of the match to reserve a Blue Badge space.

PARKING NEARBY

Alternatively, you may wish to us the numerous town centre car parks. Situated within 20-25 minutes stroll of Blackwell Meadows, charges will apply. Visit www.darlington.gov.uk for further information on locations and charges for parking.

We would like to urge all supporters who park their vehicles away from Blackwell Meadows, to park with respect and consideration for residents in the vicinity of the ground, to respect areas around the ground and not to park on verges.

FINDING US BY CAR

DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH

From the A1(M), take the junction 57 exit, A66 (M) towards Darlington and Durham Tees Valley Airport. Two miles on, at the roundabout at the end of motorway, take the first exit A66.
Follow this for approx 400 yards to another roundabout. Take the 2nd exit.
Exit A167 to Darlington. Blackwell Meadows is on your right after approx. 400 yards.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE WEST

From the M6 North, take the A685 (junction 38) at Tebay, and then follow this road through Kirkby Stephen to the junction of the A66 at Brough.
Turn right, and follow the A66 to Scotch Corner and the junction of the A1 (M)
From the A1(M), take the junction 57 exit, A66 (M) towards Darlington and Durham Tees Valley Airport.
At the roundabout at the end of motorway, take the first exit A66.
Follow this for approx 400 yards to another roundabout. Take the 2nd exit A167 to Darlington. Blackwell Meadows is on your right after approx. 400 yards.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH

From A1(M) junction 59, take the A167 towards the town centre.
Follow the A167 for five miles along the ring road. After you have passed Sainsbury’s on your left hand side, you are now on Grange Road.
The ground is approx three quarters of a mile after Sainsbury’s on your left hand side.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE EAST

From the A19 in Middlesbrough, take the A66 signposted Darlington, and follow this road for approx 15 miles until you reach the junction with the A167.
Take the fourth exit at the roundabout (signposted Darlington A167) and the ground is 400 yards on your right.

LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There are six buses leaving Stand M outside the Town Hall in the hour leading up to kick-off on Saturday, three of which will call at Bank Top Station on the way. See the timetable below*. The standard adult fare is £1.70 and is free for those with a bus pass. The No. 12 is a through service from Middleton St. George – ideal for anyone living in the Yarm Road area.

The X26/X27 services run between Darlington and Catterick Garrison via Barton, Scotch Corner, Skeeby and Richmond, so this is also a useful service for our fans who live along this route. For a full timetable for these services please click here.

TAXI

Private hire taxis are available from anywhere in the town for only £4 each way. So for four sharing that is only £2 each to the match and back.

Some companies can provide mini-buses. Typical fares for an 8-seater across town is £8 and £12 for a 16-seater. This is ideal for groups of fans that choose to meet at their local pub in advance of the game. You should allow an additional £2 for each additional pre-arranged pick-up point along the way. You are advised to book your taxi or mini-bus in advance and to agree the fare at that time.

Also please be aware that all drop-offs and collections will be on Grange Road. Only vehicles destined for the car parks will be allowed into the access to Blackwell Meadows.

WALKING

Blackwell Meadows is within a 30 minute stroll for a significant proportion of Darlington residents.

A 1½ mile walking cordon from Blackwell Meadows extends as far west as Salutation Road, as far north as the junction between Carmel Road North and Abbey Road, part of Milbank Road, Woodland Road and across to Gladstone Street. The eastern boundary includes the whole of Park Lane, Neasham Road/Geneva Crescent area and the whole of Skerne Park.

If you’re planning to stop-off in town on the way for a drink, you need to be seeing those pints off by 2pm to ensure that you arrive at Blackwell Meadows in good time to avoid the queues at the turnstiles.

CYCLING

Blackwell Meadows is easily accessible by bike from southern and western parts of the town.

TICKETS

Match tickets can be purchased either in advance by clicking here or on the day at the turnstiles using either contactless debit/credit card or cash.

Adult (25-64) – £15 standing, £17 seating

Concession (18-24, 65+, registered disabled, student) – £11 standing, £13 seating

Junior (12-17) – £5 standing, £7 seating

Child (U12 + paying adult) – FREE

31 Mar 2023

Appeal for information | Abiel Ghirmay

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of Abiel Ghirmay who has been missing since yesterday morning.

Abiel, aged 19, was last seen by his family when he left home in Middleton Leeds yesterday morning at 10.19am. Abiel was wearing a green and black North Face jacket and had a black Nike backpack.

He is described as a 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins black African male, of skinny build with brown hair.

We are appealing for anyone who thinks they may have seem him or knows of his whereabouts to please contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101, or to contact Academy Technical Director Tom McStravick via email to

thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com