Match Preview provided by Charlie Elliott

Bradford (Park Avenue) take on Newton Aycliffe at the Horsfall Stadium this Saturday, with kick-off at 3 pm. With plenty at stake for both sides, this promises to be an exciting encounter—so make sure to get down to the Horsfall!

This is a crucial match for Avenue as they look to climb the table from 9th and push towards the playoff spots. Newton Aycliffe, currently 5th on goal difference, will also be desperate for a win to solidify their position. If Avenue secure three points and 8th-placed Carlton Town lose to Stocksbridge, they could move up a spot—though Carlton do have two games in hand.

Avenue have been in solid form recently, winning two of their last three matches. They claimed a 2-1 victory over Ossett United at home before a convincing 3-1 win away at Sheffield. However, their momentum was halted in a narrow 1-0 loss to league leaders Cleethorpes Town, where they battled hard but conceded in the dying minutes.

Newton Aycliffe have also been strong, winning two and drawing one of their last three matches. Their away form, however, has been inconsistent. In their last trip on the road, they needed a last-minute equaliser to salvage a draw against 8th-placed Carlton Town—just one spot above Avenue.

The previous meeting between the sides saw Avenue travel to The Ashcourt Group Stadium earlier this season. It was an eventful first half with all four goals scored before the break, but Aycliffe proved too strong, securing a 3-1 victory.

With the season nearing its conclusion, every point is vital in the race for the playoffs. This will be a tough test for both teams—so don’t miss it! Head down to the Horsfall Stadium today, and remember, all women go free as we celebrate #HerGameToo and International Women’s Day.

Bradford (Park Avenue) return to Horsfall Community Stadium tomorrow as we take on Newton Aycliffe in the Northern Premier League East Division.

This match is extra special as we are dedicating it to International Women’s Day and the #HerGameToo movement, championing inclusivity and equality in football. We are proud to be one of the only football clubs in the UK offering FREE entry for women, encouraging more female fans to attend and enjoy the matchday experience.

In addition, we are running a Fanbase special offer – Adults can bring a friend for just £5, saving £8 in the process. Tickets are available now.

To further support the development of our girls’ teams, we will have donation buckets available around the ground. All proceeds will go toward purchasing much-needed equipment, helping to provide better resources and opportunities for young female footballers.

Match Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 15th March
🏟 Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium
🆚 Opponent: Newton Aycliffe
⏰ Kickoff: 3:00 PM

Join us for what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of football as we celebrate International Women’s Day, support #HerGameToo, and get behind the lads in a crucial league fixture.

🎟 Get your tickets now: https://buff.ly/YeWqtfz

We are delighted to announce that Paddy Sykes has committed his future to Bradford (Park Avenue), signing a deal for the 2025/26 season! 💚🤝

Paddy initially joined the club in May 2024 after impressing at Campion, and since arriving at Horsfall, he has been a key player in Craig Elliott’s side. This season, he has made more appearances than any other Avenue player.

So far in the 2024/25 campaign, Paddy has featured 36 times, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists, proving to be a crucial attacking threat.

💬 Paddy Sykes:
“I’ve really enjoyed my first season at Bradford (Park Avenue) and am delighted to have signed on for another year. After a season of ups and downs, I believe this club is now heading in the right direction with serious ambitions for promotion, and that is something that I want to play a part in.”

💬 Manager Craig Elliott:
“Paddy is a very popular member of the team, and I am delighted he was keen to stay with us. He is a very strong, physical player that is vital at this level. I am confident that with a good pre-season and some work on the training ground, he will continue to improve and be a vital player for us next season.”

Congratulations, Paddy! We’re looking forward to seeing even more from you in Avenue colours! 🔥⚽️

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to confirm that Connor Shanks has agreed terms on a deal that will keep him at the Horsfall until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Shanks, 22, has been a standout performer this season, making 35 appearances, scoring 9 goals, and registering 8 assists. The attacking midfielder has become a key figure in Craig Elliott’s squad and is now set to continue his journey with the club.

No stranger to Avenue fans, Shanks previously had a loan spell at the club during the 2023/24 season, making 9 appearances and scoring once while on loan from Spennymoor Town. Born in Halifax, he came through Huddersfield Town’s youth ranks before joining Bradford City’s Academy in 2017, where he made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy. He later returned to Huddersfield before moving to Spennymoor, making 10 appearances and scoring against both Darlington and Scarborough.

🗣 Craig Elliott on Shanks’ new deal:
“Great news that Connor has agreed to sign for next season. He is everything I like in a player. He has high fitness levels, enthusiasm in every game and training session, and a real quality in the final third to score goals and get assists. He is a good age to keep improving, and he will be a major player for us next season.”

🗣 Connor Shanks on staying at Horsfall:
“Delighted to have signed for another season. This season has been very up and down, but we all share the same objective, which is getting this club back to where it needs to be. I see this as my club now and want to achieve things here. As soon as the gaffer offered me a new deal, I knew it’s where I wanted to be. To all the fans – I will continue giving my all for the club.”

We’re thrilled to keep Shanksy at the Horsfall and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

#GreenArmy 💚

Bradford (Park Avenue) is pleased to confirm that Brendon Daniels has extended his loan deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The 31-year-old initially joined on a one-month loan from Leek Town, making eight appearances and scoring one goal. With over 270 National League appearances, Daniels brings valuable experience, having previously played for clubs including Chester, Harrogate Town, AFC Fylde, and AFC Telford United.

The club would like to thank Leek Town for their cooperation in the move and express our gratitude to the Development Fund for making this signing possible.

We look forward to seeing Brendon continue to make an impact in Avenue colours.

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to announce that experienced defender Mark Beevers has agreed terms on a new deal that will see him remain at the Horsfall Community Stadium until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Since joining the Avenue in September 2024, Beevers has been a vital presence at the heart of the defence, making 23 appearances and contributing to seven clean sheets as of March 6th. His leadership and experience have played a crucial role in solidifying the team’s defensive resilience throughout the campaign.

Before arriving at Bradford (Park Avenue), Beevers was plying his trade in Australia with A-League side Perth Glory. Prior to his move abroad, the towering centre-back amassed over 500 appearances across the EFL Championship and League One, representing clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, and Peterborough United.

Speaking on his new deal, Beevers said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bradford (Park Avenue) so far. Coming out of full-time football into a part-time setup has given me the chance to explore new opportunities off the pitch while still competing at a good level. Football-wise, we’ve had more good moments than bad, and despite a tough spell, we’re showing signs of improvement every week. We’re still pushing to finish this season strong, and looking ahead, I truly believe the club is moving in the right direction. The aim is promotion, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”

Manager Craig Elliott added: “I’m delighted to sign Mark Beevers for next season. He has been superb on and off the pitch since signing. This is the start of us planning for next season, and I have no doubt he will play a big part in what we want to achieve.”

Beevers’ commitment to the club marks a significant move as the Avenue continues to strengthen its squad in pursuit of success in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm the loan signing of midfielder Gabriel Wadsworth from neighbours Bradford City on a two-month deal.

Wadsworth, 19, was one of three academy graduates to sign a professional contract with City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, having also been offered professional terms in the summer of 2023. A talented and composed midfielder, he now makes the temporary switch to the Horsfall Community Stadium to gain valuable first-team experience.

Gabriel is the younger brother of Noah Wadsworth, who featured regularly in City’s matchday squads towards the end of last season, making his first-team debut against Harrogate Town on Saturday, March 23.

In other squad news, Sam Straughan-Brown has been recalled by Doncaster Rovers. The club thanks Sam for his efforts during his time at Horsfall and extends its appreciation to Doncaster Rovers for their cooperation in the deal.

Wadsworth is available immediately for selection at tomorrow night’s away match vs Sheffield FC.

Welcome to Horsfall, Gabriel!