29 Dec 2022

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

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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

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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 17th 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.

YouTube player
19 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Farsley Celtic (H)

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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 22nd 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:

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
15 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – Scarborough Athletic (H)

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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.

YouTube player

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.

YouTube player

(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:

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.

8 Dec 2022

THE VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (05/12/22)

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As we start the run-in to Christmas I’d like to praise the work of our volunteer ‘work force’. If I started with names I’d forget one and feel bad. On a matchday I see so many volunteers in all parts of the ground. They enjoy their role and put smiles on faces. They are friendly and helpful and they create a great impression on all those folk attending games, whatever small role they play. Every one of them is important and highly valued.

Of course you are all volunteer helpers if you rock up to support the team, pay for entry, buy some food and drink or kit from the shop. You have chosen to come and give your time and funds to support Avenue.

We have been rebuilding a club that was broken in the seventies and had some wilderness years before keen supporters resurrected us with most giving up time and money and starting fund-raising efforts to get us to our current level. We have travelled to several ‘homes’ before landing at Horsfall. All their past efforts are respected, fill us with pride and our newer supporters can now pick up the baton and press on, creating new friendships and loyalties.

Back in our league days crowds were fairly evenly spread across the two Bradford clubs but currently City can pull in large numbers of the city’s football fans, so we are working hard to create a new Bradford (Park Avenue) and hoping we can attract a thousand of those football fans for each home game as this number would help us grow and prosper.

That’s our first target, not our last, so please let’s create a City with two league clubs, like Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. We start with an improving stadium, friendly volunteers, very few paid employees and a love of football.

Bring a friend, tell your family, ask your business if they can help, sponsor players at every level and be a part of creating a friendly club atmosphere.

The club has helped to develop lots of young players recently from Romoney Critchlow at City, to Jake Beesley at Blackpool, Harry Boyes at Forest Green, Alex Hurst at York, Isaac Marriott at Altrincham, Olly Arblaster and Andre Brooks are now breaking into the first team at Sheffield Utd. We continue to help our players fulfill their ambitions and we enjoy their successes. Thomas Angell and Will Lancaster are our latest young stars stepping up with our help. It’s what makes us an attractive club for aspiring young players, playing with highly experienced players and working with Mark and Danny.

I’m proud to be a small part of a friendly club with good supporters, who are welcome at every away ground because we behave, have a drink or a brew, leave fireworks to experts, chant support rather than obscenities and collect programmes! We love our football and appreciate other non-league clubs, recognising our shared hopes and concerns.Come and join our supporters and volunteers.

We thank all our volunteer helpers and supporters and look forward to them getting some Christmas cheer over the next few games by winning more games, playing good football and having more success in 2023.

Thank you all for the very important part you play off the field.

5 Dec 2022

Club Statement: Adam Nowakowski

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We can confirm today that fan favourite, club legend and all round nice guy, Adam Nowakowski is leaving the club for the foreseeable future.

Adam leaves to take up a position abroad with Nestle where he holds down a full time career.

The club wishes to pay our thanks to Adam, who has been an incredible servant, particularly over these last few seasons, playing for us for just £1 a week!

On his departure, Mark Bower said this of the ex Harrogate and Darlington player: Adam is a legend here, to not only start, but to continue playing for a quid a week is an amazing gesture. For me, he has been a real stalwart of this club, can play in a variety of positions and always gave me, the staff, the lads, and most importantly the fans, 100%. I am sure he will be missed by everyone at the club, the first team and the fans. He will always be welcome back at Bradford (Park Avenue) and we will hold his registration so that if he does become available we can bring him back.

Clubman of the year, Neil Fawcett was equally as enthusiastic about Nowakowski: What a player Adam has been for us over the years with his commitment to the club

Some of the banter on the team coach will stay legendary, away trips won’t be the same without the king on his throne!

Another fan, Lewis Sale said: Adam has been an integral part of the squad in his two spells at the club. His experience, personality and quality has been vital, both on and off the field. And, agreeing to play for a £1 a week is evidence of the person ‘Nova’ is. He’s an unforgettable and irreplaceable character and will be sadly missed, but I’d like to wish him all the very best and success for the future.

Adams team mate, Oli Johnson said: I’ve played with Adam since 2016 so he’s been a constant in my time at BPA. He’s the strangest guy I know but also one of the best. It won’t be the same without him. Good luck going forward mate!

Tonight marks Adam’s last game for the foreseeable future, we hope you are down here to send him off!

Everyone at the club wishes Adam well, best of luck Nova!

YouTube player
4 Dec 2022

MATCH REPORT – Buxton 2 – 3 Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Avenue pulled off an injury time comeback in Matchday 21 of the Vanarama North against newly promoted Buxton FC.

(Park Avenue) struck twice in injury time with Super-Sub Oli Johnson and Jacob Blyth taking the plaudits and Bradford took a vital three points back to West Yorkshire.

Both sides started well, but it was Buxton who struck first, and took the lead after 12 minutes of the first half, they caught (Park Avenue) on a counterattack and put the home side into an early lead, Bradford responded well from going behind, but they couldn’t capitalise on their chances.

However the Avenue drew level just before the half hour mark, a terrific strike by Will Longbottom, and from this Bradford went on the hunt for a second, nearly finding it just before the break and it was Longbottom again who found space inside the box, but he could only put his effort wide of the goal.

Buxton had their own chances towards the back end of the half, but two strikes at goal were well saved by Sykes-Kenworthy and both sides stayed level into the break.

Bradford and Buxton came out into the second period with all guns blazing, both teams having chances in the early stages of the second half, first Longbottom thought he rescued the ball as he crossed towards the back post, but the linesman adjudged that the ball had already gone out of play.

Buxton at the other end had a chance to take the lead three minutes later, a low strike from a corner was well saved again by Sykes-Kenworthy. And as the second half went on it was the home side who had the better chances, (Park Avenue) seemed to be hanging on and with 11 minutes left of the game Buxton’s pressure finally paid off as they took the lead and looked good for the three points.

Buxton were then reduced to 10 men, as Tom Elliot was show his second yellow of the game for simulation, and when the referee added 6 minutes to the 90 already played, an inspired Avenue had a bit of luck on their side for once.

Oli Johnson who had only been on the field of play for five minutes then equalised for the Avenue as he smashed his effort beyond the man between the sticks and it looked like a point on the road for Avenue, however as the celebrations wore on, and a fan suggested they spend some more time celebrating, it was goalscorer Oli Johnson who exclaimed “No, we can win this!” and sure enough, after a quick pass around between Angell and Staunton, a cross sailed over for Blythy to head through and secure a late winner.

You can watch all three goals here

YouTube player

This win propels Bradford up to 18th as we now approach the halfway point of the season.

Up next on Monday the 5th December we host AFC Telford United at the Horsfall Community Stadium! Kick Off is 7:45pm, and if you are a Season Ticket holder at Bradford City, or a Championship/Premier League club you can gain half price entry to this match!

Tickets are priced at £14 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 Students, £3 Youths and £1 Juniors. Parking at the Horsfall Community Stadium is free. Please consider the local residents and do not park on the yellow lines on Cemetery Road or in the Cemetery.

Travelling to the Horsfall Community Stadium? Click here for more details!

Match Report by James Fletcher

2 Dec 2022

MATCH PREVIEW – BUXTON FC (A)

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BRADFORD (Park Avenue) visit Derbyshire this Saturday to play newly promoted Buxton FC at The Tarmac Silverlands.

Mark Bower’s men head into this game after a fantastic 2-1 win against Boston United last weekend, a performance which was praised by fans as the best of the season.

It was a slow start for both teams, however, Jake Wright made the first proper effort on Sykes-Kenworthy’s goal in the 15th minute.  His shot from outside the box sailed over the crossbar.

Avenue man Jamie Spencer was up next, firing a fantastic effort that nearly broke the deadlock, but he couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Pilgrims finally got one up on Avenue with a good finish from Jake Wright putting Boston ahead in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, Avenue were the better side, with Sam Fielding and Jordan Preston both having chances.

It was reliable midfielder Simon Richman who hooked the ball into the roof of the net, equalising for Avenue with a brilliant low cross from Lucas Odunston.

Under pressure from the Boston defence, Jordan Preston managed a well struck shot but his effort was saved by Sam Long.

Then, in the 75th minute, with an unreal cross from ex-Bradford City man Reece Staunton, Jacob Blyth headed the ball past Long and Avenue were ahead.

The defence held firm against late Boston pressure, with the Avenue fans chanting and cheering all the way into the four minutes of added time.

Mark and Danny will now look to improve their form further with a point or three in Derbyshire, a place which has proved fruitful for Avenue so far, drawing against a strong Alfreton side and all whilst struggling with injuries and illnesses in the Bradford squad.

The last time Avenue and Buxton met was on 8 December 2015 in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup when Avenue won 2-1 away.

Buxton go into the game after a 4-0 defeat at League 1 side Ipswich Town in the FA Cup.  In the league Buxton have had some tough fixtures, losing 4-2 to Blyth and 1-0 to Scarborough.  However, before these setbacks they had pulled off wins against Gloucester, Darlington Southport.

They will be looking to bounce back, so Avenue will have to be at their best to sneak a result.

If you are travelling to the Silverlands, follow the link here for directions.

Tickets are purchased on the gate, and are priced at £15 Adults, £10 Concessions, £5 16-21s, £2 for 5-15s and under-5s are free with a paying Adult.