HAVERN SIGNS PLAYER/COACH CONTRACT!

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First new signing of the close season, and it’s a new role for a experienced player

We are delighted to announce our first off season signing, in the form of our captain for the last two seasons, Luca Havern. 

Luca has agreed to join our management team in a slight change of role which sees him sign as player/coach for the 23/24 season.

Showing huge loyalty to the club and management team over the last 5 seasons, it’s a significant step for the club and Luca, to replace the large boots left last season when previous player/coach Ryan Toulson left. 

We look forward to seeing Luca playing next season, helping our push for automatic promotion back to the National League North, and his impact off the field with young and old players alike. 

 

Luca Havern

I’m really happy to be staying with the club and to have progressed into a player/coach role. I feel that it is a natural progression for me at this stage in my career and jumped at the chance to continue to work with Bows, Bosh and the players. We are all going to use last seasons disappointment to fuel us to be successful next season. Have a good summer BPA fans and see you all soon, Luca. 


Mark Bower

I am delighted that Luca has agreed to stay with us for another season firstly in a playing capacity but also taking his first step into a coaching role. 

As a player he has been excellent for us over the past few seasons both in his performances and his influence on the players around him on the pitch. 

He has been captain at numerous clubs and brings a wealth of non league experience, has the respect of the players around him, and will be a valuable addition to the coaching staff. 

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM (05/05/23)

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End of season thoughts

Well, there we are, it’s the NPL next season and hello again to Guiseley, Matlock, Macclesfield and FCUM. Probably wise for me to say that this note is more my own thoughts than the official football club’s view. The football issues speak for themselves, and we will all have a view. So close, yet so far away! In the end, for me, I think the most unfortunate event was the Jordan Preston injury. I’m sure he could have helped us win the extra points we needed and we wish him well in his recovery.

It’s been a while since we had a relegation and whilst the NPL is truly based in the north and our loyal, travelling fans will experience early evening returns home, both midweek and on Saturdays, we need to see this as a chance to build a more competitive and comprehensive squad and to get back to winning more than losing. We all hate failure, but we all want our club to endure and prosper.

Through the other end of the periscope, I’m not so sure I can easily feel the thrill of Wrexham’s promotion, based as it was on a £2m input to funds from the Hollywood pair. Happy for their fans, as their fanbase has remained strong over the years out of the EFL, and lucky to be without major clubs nearby, but hopefully their next aim will be financial stability rather than more and more cash funds from rich movie stars carrying out an experiment that might as easily have been done with Macclesfield or Bury, though Macc have their own benefactors now.

It’s hardly ‘plucky little Wrexham’ but more like a smaller version of ‘lucky little Newcastle’ in terms of buying in success. The glad-handing and back-slapping doesn’t make me think that this is the way forward for community, grassroots football, but merely more of a very strong echo of the Premier League’s behaviours. Either we are looking in future for hundreds of multi-millionaire funders for grassroot teams or we are aiming to be operating more sustainable local businesses, based on sports activities, funded locally, and with better Premier League distributions if possible.

Had the Premier League thought to spread their TV largesse firstly across grassroots clubs rather than on themselves, their players and agents, we might have seen more kids getting more from our national game rather than clubs trying to get rich quick. Great to see them investing locally, where that is happening, but it could have been so much more, so many more and so much better, morally and financially. Players earning more in a couple of months than many supporters do in a lifetime isn’t healthy, even with their short careers. Thankfully some, like Sadio Mané, put a lot back to help others.

Interesting to see Kevin Philips leaving South Shields after finally getting the club promoted. In the inevitable ‘club statement’ the owner mentioned ‘sound budgets and using their successful Academy’ going forward. Smacks of too much common sense and the ‘mutual consent’ is open to speculative thoughts: did he fall, was he pushed, was there no increased funding? Another club promising a manager an open cheque book?

No doubt Kev’s next stop will tell us more, as will the owner’s next appointment, Julian Arca, locally based, former player, long association with the club – now there’s a template! Hopefully, with the crowds generated up there, they can operate efficiently and can build with a manager who wants to work within a budget and with an umbilical cord to his Academy. That’s the way to do it!

Then there’s ‘plucky little Southport’s’ situation. Just saved their NLN status, lost 2-0 to us, and were poor, after slamming us earlier in the season, with the manager mightily slagged off during and after the game here, by their ‘fans’ and yet again last week by all accounts.

A manager turned director, so not an easy contender for a ‘club statement’, but, along with colleagues there, talking of new investment and wondering if those complaining loudly want a club or would prefer going out of existence. Very easy to join a baying crowd, much harder to sustain a football club. As I moved to Southport from Bradford, many years ago, I wish them every success in their rebuilding. I can’t say my allegiances changed but when you move round the country in your career you look for a local club to go watch to get your football fix. My journey included Bristol City, when Andy Cole was on loan there from Arsenal, Southend Utd, when I tried to help them relocate and add a casino to their new site and Luton Town, watching them yo-yo down and back up the divisions.

Well, we know what going out of existence is like, and the despair of losing a decent stadium with a big main stand and we can only sympathise with people accepting roles if it helps the club survive. Many have been there, done that, along with many others who did their bit for Avenue, some who departed these shores, some dearly departed, others who may have reached a financial watershed. We salute their fond memory.

And then we come to the Peterborough Sports example – a tale of how to survive promotions whilst closing your eyes to league ‘rules’, or so it might seem lately? Just buy good players so you stay in your league, or get promoted, then persuade the league directors that a change of ownership (all due diligence checks properly and speedily completed I guess) can allow the league to bend its rules. Sod the principle of stadium safety, improvements or operating standards required, for which there is a very competent stadium safety advisory body, even if it means going to another ground to finish your season! And to a ground shared by a now ex- NL club and a lower league club because that NL club blew its financial fortune years ago, when it had a top-class ground. The PS players will have coped, because the Burton Latimer pitch is arguably as poor as their own. No investment there and probably none expected for either stadium’s pitches. Ground grading at step 4/5 had already concluded a week after the end of their respective leagues. There’s a case for it being done before you get promoted, not after.

We have been fined for not playing planned games during the covid crisis, essentially for being unwilling to help spread a deadly disease. No refund for us after the league then did the same thing two weeks later; no thought that the £6k fine might have hurt the club with costs to bear and players to pay.

We were also not allowed to defer a game when our injury list was greater than our squad numbers. Nobody has yet heard about shared financial data from clubs, as promised from the NL some months ago, nor about any penalties for late submissions of financial data, as will be required by an independent regulator. Well done Peterborough for uncovering the soft underbelly of the National League! It defeated us. I’m keener than ever to see independent regulators in place!

It’s been a tough old season and who knows if we’ll hear about a few more grubby things under rocks turned over as we prepare for next season, but onwards and upwards as we fight valiantly to offer our own city and its kids a better sporting life, better facilities and a football team aiming to improve its fortunes sensibly. Our end of season run gives me great hope for next season.

I’m not sure I need to see much more of the National League for a while, or its nonsense in calling Hereford, Gloucester, Brackley and Kettering ‘northern clubs’, or having rules made for bending and rules made for ignoring and thankfully I won’t be obliged to sit and listen to the fawning over Wrexham’s success, with the NL trying to capture some reflected glory from it, rather than working out that copying the Premier League’s worship of self-invested cash isn’t the way forward for grassroots football. The only admirable side of the NL is its NL Trust work, which is under-funded and should be more widely publicised. Hopefully, when we return, their systems will have been much improved.

The sooner we get three up, three down through all leagues and the NL’s Premier League, which has mainly full-time clubs, becomes the EFL’s League Three, the better off we will all be. It may let the NL create three leagues again, with a north, south and midlands separation, with the top three promoted to League Three, or with an extended play-off system to include more clubs, knowing whether they can afford the uplift and have comparable facilities.  

Alignment in the NPL, SPL and Isthmian leagues should then create many more local games, better crowds, less travelling and then all we need is an independent regulator ripping money away from the PL and investing it in grassroots football so that all these clubs can operate with greater financial oversight and the integrity to go with it.

Having seen both success and disappointment in my six decades as an Avenue and football supporter, I look forward to a brighter future as I am very confident that we are on the right track as a club, despite losing NL status and visibility. We have an improving stadium, an improving Academy and a desire to be increasingly financially viable and that keeps us all going. Good people wanting good things to happen.

The journey continues, we merely pass through in our own time and I hope we see you at the pre-season friendlies.

Up The Avenue!

MATCH REPORT – AFC Fylde (H)

In a crucial game for both teams, Bradford (Park Avenue) hosted AFC Fylde at the Horsfall Stadium in a match that would decide their respective fates. For Avenue, it was a last chance to avoid relegation, while Fylde also needed to secure all three points to confirm their promotion. The game started off with Avenue on the front foot, winning a corner within the first five minutes, but Fylde keeper Chris Neal claimed it comfortably.

However, it was Fylde who opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Nick Haughton, who scored a scrappy goal. Until that point, Bradford had looked strong, defending well and creating chances where possible, but the confidence gained from scoring the opener saw Fylde dominating the chances. The first half ended with Fylde leading 1-0, with Avenue having it all to do in the second half.

As the second half began, Avenue started creating chances, with La-Bastide crossing one over for Longbottom, which was called just offside, and Sam Fielding striking a powerful shot that flew over the bar. Will Lancaster also had a great chance, striking just inside the box, but Neal made the save. Despite the pressure, it was Fylde who scored the crucial second goal in the 65th minute, with Joe Rowley scoring a low shot to beat Avenue keeper Sykes-Kenworthy.

Avenue made changes in the second half, with Brad Dockerty coming on at half-time for Simon Richman, followed by Oli Johnson in the 69th minute for La-Bastide, and finally Zak Kersey coming on for Harrison Hopper. 

However, it was too little too late, as Fylde’s defence held strong and the game ended with Avenue unable to find the back of the net.

The final whistle blew, and relegation was confirmed for Bradford (Park Avenue), while AFC Fylde celebrated on the pitch, securing their promotion.

While it was a disappointing end to the season for Bradford (Park Avenue), they can hold their heads high for taking the fight all the way to the last game in their bid to avoid relegation. 

In the final stretch of the season, they were unbeaten in six games, including impressive wins against Southport, Banbury, and Alfreton. 

Though they ultimately fell short in their quest to stay in the division, their spirited performances in the latter stages of the campaign will give them confidence as they prepare for life in the Northern Premier League next season.

You can watch the highlights on the link below.

YouTube player

Chairman’s Statement

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Dear BPA fans,                          

I would like to thank all those associated with our club for their efforts this season. We now find ourselves in the Northern Premier League next season. This is a result of several years of having the smallest player budget in the league and eventually that caught up with us. That we had survived in the NLN so far is a testament to the efforts of Mark and Danny. 
                         

It is true to say that the National League has changed over the years that we have been in it, with clubs spending much more than when we first entered. Football in the UK is a losing business proposition and a club like ours cannot afford to be losing money every year. The first priority is for the club to survive and then to be as financially viable as possible. This is our target. The next priority is to provide the first team with a competitive player budget, so success on the playing field can generate more commercial success. 

I believe we are now in a stronger position as a club than when we first entered the National League and much closer to sustainability. Some improvements to the stadium have been made, but more will be done. The Junior and Academy sections have been developed from scratch so that we can provide new generations of players and their families. That is ultimately building a better future for the club. My aim remains to create success on the field combined with sound finances.

Gareth Roberts
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC Chairman

MATCH REPORT – Bradford (Park Avenue) 3 – 0 Alfreton Town

Bradford (Park Avenue) put on a dominant performance in last nights match against Alfreton Town, winning 3-0 and securing a crucial three points in their fight against relegation. The first half saw Bradford take control early on, with a goal in the 5th minute from Will Longbottom. Sam Fielding initially struck the ball, but it was blocked by the keeper, only for Longbottom to pounce on the rebound and slot it into the back of the net.

Bradford continued to press, and in the 35th minute, they were rewarded with another goal, this time from Sam Fielding. From around 50 yards out, Fielding struck a free kick that sailed past the Alfreton keeper and into the top corner of the net, leaving the opposition stunned.

Not content with a two-goal lead, Bradford pushed forward, and in the 42nd minute, they were able to increase their advantage yet again. Longbottom showed his skill by curling a corner ball into the net, leaving the keeper with no chance to save it. With a commanding 3-0 lead going into halftime, Bradford were in control of the match.

In the second half, Alfreton tried to mount a comeback, but Bradford’s defence held strong, preventing them from finding the back of the net. The home team was able to comfortably finish the match with a clean sheet and three points, which could prove vital in their fight against relegation.

Overall, it was a dominant performance from Bradford (Park Avenue), who will look to build on this victory as they strive to secure their place in the league for next season.

You can watch the full highlights below.

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Our next match is against AFC Fylde, on Saturday 29th April. Kick Off 3pm, make sure you’re there #GreenArmy! You can read the preview for this game on the link below.

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 20th 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 26th 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 29th April – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs AFC Fylde

Kick off: 15:00

ACADEMY SCHOLAR MYLES LA-BASTIDE SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT!

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.

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

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LA-BASTIDE LA MAN FOR AVENUE!

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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.

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

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

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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.

Match Preview – Hereford vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

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 22nd April, 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).