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:

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