12 Jan 2023

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (07/01/23)

by BPAFC Officials | posted in: News | 0

As we enter the new year we will be eagerly awaiting PL funds being distributed, BT streaming being made available, hopefully for the two regional leagues as well as the main league and progress by the government on the Fan-led Review of Football.

Chapters 7 and 8 of the Review refer to supporters specifically and the creation of a ‘Shadow Board’ and a ‘Golden Share’. The Supporter set-up, however constituted, may need to be ratified by the Financial Conduct Authority as some kind of Community Benefit Society.

The suggestion is that a shadow version of a club’s Board can be consulted and kept updated on off-field, confidential financial matters (specifically not on team matters) and that the Golden Share will confer rights on, and refer to, heritage decisions such as stadium relocations, first team colours and the club name, for example. Clearly this is to prevent the repeat of past failures. (Where was this idea when we needed them back in the 70s?)

At the moment our own Supporters Development Fund is potentially the sort of collective supporters’ body that could be converted into, or act as, a Shadow Board, if that is the way an Independent Regulator decides to go. We shall have to wait and see, but if the government finds the time and inclination to legislate for an Independent Regulator, then all clubs and their loyal supporters will need to find solutions.

Hopefully this review will also mean more funds flowing down the pyramid to non-league clubs to sustain viability. The belief is that this will also expose reckless owners who go splashing vast unearned money on players in the pursuit of promotion and short-term glory. Certainly regular FCA reporting would help to identify irregular funding promptly.

Gareth is planning to come to the UK in February and will want to see how best to proceed on this matter and the Board is open to supporter proposals and ideas as to how to find a solution that satisfies supporters and the Board. It is best to be prepared for any changes that may come from any new Independent Regulator than to rush at the last minute into changes.

Off the field our athletics partner, Bradford and Airedale Athletics Club (BAAC) are currently helping us to find grants and funding to re-lay the running track and improve field athletics facilities at Horsfall. This should help to attract several local athletics clubs to consider using Horsfall much more often. This is a big piece of work, if and when it happens. We are already planning big events to help with funding this plan and will keep you updated.

Horsfall’s reputation as a multi-sport venue would be further enhanced by similar investments we may uncover and we will be fast becoming South Bradford’s main sporting hub. Our small, Horsfall team are getting good advice from key influencers and tapping into ideas from the City of Culture planning. All this will eventually help to fill the coffers and give us more for first team investment.

Hopefully we can uncover local businesses and individuals keen to join us on this exciting journey. These projects need local investment from those who are wanting to improve opportunities for the community and facilities which invest in the future of the area and ultimately support the club in its survival and progress. Let us know if you find any investors who want to come and invest in the future with us.

Back on the field you will have seen our first Academy student graduate to the first team pool, so congratulations to Liam Hall on a well-deserved transition. I’m sure he won’t be the last and our best wishes go to him for his hard work and dedication.

We have had some great keepers over the years, so it’s good to see the continuing trend. Harry Hough, Bert Gebbie and John Hardie were among my early memories; no doubt our youngsters today will be remembering both George S-K and Liam in years to come.

Our second graduate has emerged too. Well done Myles La Bastide, we look forward to seeing you play soon.

Paul Armitage

#UTA

11 Jan 2023

LANCASTER RETURNS ON LOAN!

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

We are delighted to announce the return of Will Lancaster, on loan from Barnsley until the end of the season.

Will re-joins having played 8 games for the Avenue in his previous spell and is available for selection straight away

On the deal Mark said ‘its great to get Lanny back, we are a bit short on players in that area of the pitch and we know what we are getting from him. Lanny did well for us in his previous spell and hopefully he continues that form now.

We can also confirm that following Reece Staunton’s injury we have decided to not pursue our appeal against his red card.

10 Jan 2023

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1 – 1 Kettering Town

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

Six unbeaten for the Avenue after late equaliser secures vital point.

Bradford (Park Avenue) came from behind with a stoppage time equaliser from Jordan Preston to earn a 1-1 draw in what was at times an ill-tempered affair with Kettering Town on Saturday.

The Avenue came into the game on the back of a five game unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League North, but it was the visitors who struck first. Kettering made their early pressure count on 26 minutes when George Forsyth rounded off a well-worked corner as his effort looped over Avenue keeper Sykes-Kenworthy and into the goal.

Undeterred by the early setback, the Kettering opener seemed to act as a wakeup call for the Avenue with Will Longbottom’s fierce strike glancing the crossbar just minutes later.

As the first half wore on, Bradford (Park Avenue) continued to forge their way back into the game but tempers soon began to flare towards the end of the half. On the brink of halftime, the lively Longbottom found his name in the referee’s book after reacting angrily to a reckless Kettering challenge, and with seconds remaining of the first half, a melee ensued in the Kettering penalty area after a goalmouth scramble. Having consulted both of his on-field assistants, the referee adjudged Kettering goalkeeper Cameron Gregory to have lashed out at Avenue’s Jamie Spencer and brandished a red to the stopper, leaving Kettering Town to play the rest of the game with ten men and an outfield player (goal scorer George Forsyth) in goal.

However, despite their one man advantage Bradford (Park Avenue) struggled to break down the opposition’s resolute defence. Twice Avenue smashed the woodwork, and in the aftermath of the latter effort, half time substitute Harrison Hopper was brought down when challenging for the rebound. A penalty against an outfield player between the sticks seemed the perfect opportunity to net an equaliser, but Jacob Blyth’s spot kick was sent high over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Various stoppages of play during the second half meant that a hefty eight minutes of added time was signalled by the fourth official, although Bradford boss Mark Bower was aggrieved in his post-match interview that more time was not given. The home support were convinced that it just was not their day as the Avenue once again rattled the woodwork, but five minutes into stoppage time Bradford’s pressure paid off when Jordan Preston took aim from the edge of the penalty area and found the bottom corner of the net through a sea of red shirts.

Not content with the point, Bradford (Park Avenue) pushed on for a winner in the few minutes that remained but it was to no avail as the referee blew for full time. Bower expressed his disappointment with the draw and the missed opportunities in the second half, accepting that his side had created “numerous good openings with efforts on goal missing the target”. Reflecting on his side running out of time, Bower admitted, “we got the goal too late I think, if we get the goal ten or fifteen minutes earlier I think we go on and win it comfortably”.

The result leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) 17^th in the Vanarama National League North, three points ahead of Kettering Town who still occupy the final relegation spot in 21^st. Next up for the Avenue is a trip to Spennymoor Town this Saturday 14th Jan, who are currently four games without defeat. The Green Army will be hoping to stretch their own unbeaten run to seven games and avenge the 1-0 defeat inflicted upon them in the reverse fixture back in August.

Watch the highlights from the match below!

FULL TIME: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE) 1 – 1 KETTERING TOWN

(26’) GOAL Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-1 Kettering Town – George Forsyth

(45+3’) RED CARD – Kettering Town – Cameron Gregory

(90+5’) GOAL – Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-1 Kettering Town – Jordan Preston

Attendance – 415

Writer: Stephen Grimshaw

Our next home game is our rescheduled match vs Scarborough Athletic! The match will take place on 16th January with a 7:45pm KO.

5 Jan 2023

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Kettering Town – The Green Army welcome The Poppies in the Vanarama National League North.

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games as they host Kettering Town on Saturday, the first side to visit the Horsfall Community Stadium in 2023.

The Avenue head into this weekend’s encounter fresh from a gruelling festive double header with local rivals Farsley Celtic, with both West Yorkshire sides proving to be inseparable across the two fixtures. A 1-1 Boxing Day draw in what appeared to be all weather conditions at the Horsfall was followed by an entertaining 2-2 at the Citadel on New Year’s Day.

Avenue’s fiery encounter away to Farsley saw them reduced to ten men after a questionable first half red card. Avenue boss Mark Bower expressed his disappointment with the referee’s decision, but conceded the unlikeliness of a successful appeal on his side’s behalf. However, Bower was delighted with his team’s resilience as they fought back to claim a vital point in their bid to continue their climb up the league table.

The visitors this weekend currently sit in 21^st position, in the relegation zone only on goal difference behind Curzon Ashton. Incidentally the Northamptonshire-based side hold the second-worst goal difference in the National League North, a statistic Bradford (Park Avenue) will be aiming to exploit on Saturday afternoon. Despite this, Kettering will be arriving at the Horsfall in good spirits following an important 2-1 victory away to mid-table Peterborough Sports on Boxing Day, their first win in five games. The return fixture (originally scheduled for New Year’s Day) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Latimer Park, meaning Kettering will have had an extra week’s rest as they prepare to make the trip north.

The reverse fixture between Bradford (Park Avenue) and Kettering Town earlier in the season saw the Avenue pick up their first point of the campaign. Adam Nowakowski’s 80^th minute equaliser was enough to earn a 1-1 draw at Latimer Park on matchday 2. However it was this fixture last season which is arguably more memorable in Avenue minds. After two red cards in the space of five second half minutes for Bradford’s Havern and Toulson, Kettering thought they had salvaged a point with Lamine Sherif’s 89^th minute equaliser, only for Avenue’s Nicky Clee to win it with virtually the last kick of the game.

With only three points currently separating the two sides and Kettering holding a game in hand, a win on Saturday for Bradford (Park Avenue) would be vital in pulling further clear of the relegation zone.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw

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. Matchday prices for league games are as follows:

Adult – £14

Concession – £10

Student – £5

Youth (12-17) – £3

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

5 Jan 2023

LOANEES ANGELL AND LANCASTER RETURN TO PARENT CLUBS

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

We can confirm that loanees Thomas Angell from Sheffield United, and Will Lancaster from Barnsley have both returned to their parent clubs following the end of their loan deals.

Both players have played vital roles in their respective positions, so a huge thanks to Thomas and Will for their efforts at Avenue, and best of luck in their future careers.

We also send our thanks to both Sheffield United and Barnsley for their help in making these deals possible.

29 Dec 2022

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s notes (26/12/22)

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

We’re all over the disappointment of the World Cup now and can get back to real football again! Paying millions for a four year competition is a world away from non-league in local communities. No doubt the cost of one ‘pop up’ stadium in Qatar would cover all NL budgets for a season or two.

Which gets me back to the UK Fan-led Review.

One of its early themes is the reckless pursuit of wealth by clubs and the enormous financial losses most football clubs regularly incur.

Our own plans require us to establish the solid base of a sports-led stadium developing community-led and well-supported growth for young people of all abilities, so that they can find personal and educational development and link that to activities at Horsfall.

This tends to offer value for parents and their children at affordable levels and meaningful activity to harness youthful energy. Combining sport and non-academic education allows for personal growth and achievement and whether it is linked to soccer at Avenue, rugby at West Bowling or athletics with Bradford and Airedale, or even all three, we are moving towards organising age group progress and improving facilities for all those users.

It takes time and money to do this and each of our anchor users are moving along similar lines and uncovering funding and volunteers to create the vision.

We have relied on substantial grants and some loans, along with very generous contributions from our own benefactor to get us this far and we are all well aware that financial viability is essential.

Bradford has a good history of philanthropic benefactors over decades. My own favourite is Titus Salt as I was born in that neck of the woods, but there were many others and it would be good to see those who have made good in the city returning benefits for such good causes and getting involved in the quest for a viable sports stadium that aims to help youngsters.

It is proving to be only a little easier to find grants than to find patronage from entrepreneurs these days, but we are all keen to find the new patrons.

Running a football club is almost by definition a pathway to insolvency if we don’t manage the finances well and finding the next generation of players to eventually win a World Cup starts at the grassroots, which is where our investment plans start.

Here at Avenue we older supporters know only too well that the sudden loss of a benefactor can create havoc and Gareth knows that too. All benefactors must share the concerns of how their legacy is perceived, so finding the numbers of supporters or the individuals needed is a perpetual quest. Hopefully it will be more successful than seeking the Holy Grail!

See you again in what we all hope will be the Happy New Year and more NLN points.

26 Dec 2022

Bradford (Park Avenue) mid-season review: Avenue’s second half of the season is looking brighter

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

After a slow start to the season and early fears of falling through the NLN trapdoor, Bradford (Park Avenue) have shown resilience to drag themselves from the brink.

Avenue had one of the worst possible starts to the season, with fans spending the first two months wondering where the first win was coming from. Losing seven and drawing four left Avenue sitting at the bottom of the table with no end to their dismal run in sight.

To compound matters, they even suffered defeat in the FA Cup second qualifying round against level nine side Ashington AFC away from home.

It looked like their fortunes were not going to change in October as they went down to their heaviest defeat of the season so far, losing 4-1 to Southport but the following weekend the patient Avenue faithful were rewarded with a welcome first win. Curzon Ashton, so often our bogey team, surrendered all three points at Horsfall Stadium. This result sparked a revival with the team going on to win their next two league games and, despite a blip against high-flying Brackley Town, they rounded off the month with a well fought victory over Gloucester City. This excellent month propelled Avenue up the table and out of the drop zone for the first time in the season.

November didn’t start well. The team kicked off with back-to-back defeats. A creditable draw at Alfreton was followed by a disappointing exit from the FA Trophy at the hands of local rivals Farsley Celtic. Hope was restored at the end of the month with wins against newly promoted Banbury and long-established NLN side Boston.

This put them in good stead for December and Avenue duly went on to win their opening two games. The determination and resilience shown by the players in the match at Buxton will live long in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness it. Finding themselves a goal down in added time, Avenue conjured two great goals to snatch all three points.

At this halfway point of the season Avenue are sitting in 17^th place, four points away from the drop and, for the optimists among us, ten points off the play-off places.

Avenue head into today’s Boxing Day derby against Farsley Celtic buoyed by their recent run of results and determined to take revenge for that defeat in the FA Trophy. The sides resume their rivalry at the Citadel on New Year’s Day.

You can watch all the goals from the first half of the season on our YouTube Channel below.

21 Dec 2022

MATCH REARRANGED – Scarborough Athletic, now 16/01/23, 7:45pm KO

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

Our postponed match vs @safc has now been rearranged for Monday 16th January 2023 with a 7:45pm KO.

#UTA

19 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Farsley Celtic (H)

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

This Boxing Day The Green Army play host to the Celt Army in the Vanarama National League North. Please note that Kick Off is set for the earlier time of 1pm.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be aiming to serve up a Christmas cracker for their home support as they host West Yorkshire rivals Farsley Celtic at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Boxing Day, the first of a festive double-header between the two sides.

A rejuvenated Avenue are heading into Monday’s derby off the back of an impressive three wins in a row and will hope that the two postponements since their last outing, a 1-0 home victory over AFC Telford United, will have given their players enough recuperation to continue their climb up the table.

The visitors this weekend currently occupy one of the four relegation spots in the National League North, sitting in 22^nd place as they make the short seven-mile journey across West Yorkshire.

Like many clubs outside of the top two divisions of the Football League, the cold weather has also disrupted Farsley’s December fixtures, but their last outing earlier in December saw them record a surprise 2-0 victory at home to high-fliers King’s Lynn Town, only the latter’s third league defeat of the season. However, Farsley’s lack of consistency has proven to be a problem in their bid to avoid relegation as they are yet to secure back-to-back wins in this campaign.

Revenge will no doubt be on the minds of the Avenue players and staff following last month’s defeat to Farsley in the FA Trophy. Farsley emerged victorious at the Horsfall with a narrow 2-1 victory, dumping Bradford (Park Avenue) out of the competition in just the Second round.

However, with Farsley sat six points behind Bradford (PA) with two games in hand, the Avenue faithful might argue the importance of the upcoming league fixtures instead, as a win on Monday would move them nine points clear of their rivals.

Avenue boss Mark Bower will have no complaints about the goal contributions from his players in previous games, with five players contributing to the six goals scored in the recent run of victories.

Jordan Preston was particularly impressive in the victory over AFC Telford United last time out, with the Scottish striker netting his first goal since joining on loan from Spennymoor Town. Bower will be hoping for more of the same over the festive period.

A win on Monday for the Avenue is also essential to improve their disappointing head-to-head record against the visitors. From the previous six league meetings between the two sides, the Green Army have only been victorious twice.

However, the last league meeting between the two clubs back in March saw the Avenue emerge with a 1-0 home victory. This, coupled with Farsley failing to pick up any points in their previous four away fixtures this term, means Bradford (Park Avenue) will have their sights firmly set on the win.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw

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
Youth (12-17) – £3
Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1

15 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Scarborough Athletic (H)

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

Bradford (Park Avenue) will have to stay switched on when they welcome promotion chasers Scarborough Athletic to the Horsfall Stadium this weekend.

Bradford will be wanting to continue their climb up the table but with Scarborough coming to town this will be no easy task for The Avenue.

Despite the Green Army’s recent upturn in form, Scarborough will offer a different challenge that the home side will have to over come to get anything from a highflyer in the league.

The players will surely remember the reverse fixture, where a worldie from Jamie Spencer (above) and a first goal for Sheffield United loanee Andre Brooks (below) almost stole all three points back to Bradford, however in the final few minutes it was reduced to just one, after Darren Dominic Tear fired 2 goals past the defence to make it a draw.

(Park Avenue) have only lost once in their last five league games, the most notable was coming from behind against Buxton, scoring twice in injury time to secure all three points and its this resilience and determination that (Park Avenue) boss, Mark Bower will be wanting from his players this Saturday afternoon.

Scarborough have the second-best scoring record in the league this season with 40 goals scored already, only three behind the league leaders Darington, Bradford’s defence will have to be switched on to avoid adding more goals to that statistic.

George William Sykes-Kenworthy the Bradford number one between the sticks will certainly have his work cut out for him, with five clean sheets to his name already this season he’ll be hoping to make it six when he comes up against Scarborough’s top goal scorer Michael Coulson who’s scored eight goals so far this season, but Sykes-Kenworthy is no stranger to the danger that Scarborough pose having already pulled off some vital and brilliant saves this season.

At the other end though Scarborough have not had the same luck and have had one of the leakiest defences of any team currently in the top ten, this will be music to Jacob Blyth’s ears being the clubs current top goal scorer with five goals and is a great opportunity to fill his boots, as well as Will Longbottom who is only one goals behind Blyth in the charts.

Scarborough will be heavy favourites going into this fixture only losing once out of their last five league games, (Park Avenue) will have to be at their best to take anything from Scarborough, and a win for the home side would see them claw even further away from the drop.

Match Preview by James Fletcher @illustrationsjf

Tickets for the game are purchased on the gate and priced at £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Students, £3 Youths and £1 Juniors (u12s accompanied by an Adult).

Premier League and Championship Season Ticket holders can gain half-price entry to this game, just display your physical or digital Season Ticket at the turnstiles.

Travelling to the Horsfall for the first time? Follow the directions and map below!

Address

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.

The Horsfall Community Stadium