Bradford (Park Avenue) will host Liversedge at Horsfall Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, looking to secure a much-needed victory in the Northern Premier League East. Danny Whitaker’s squad has had mixed results in their opening three league fixtures, and they’ll be eager to bounce back with a strong performance.
Liversedge has also had a challenging start to their campaign, opening with a 3-0 defeat to Garforth Town, followed by draws against Dunston and Bridlington Town. They will face Cleethorpes Town this Saturday before making the trip to Horsfall.
With both teams seeking momentum, this Bank Holiday clash promises to be a competitive encounter. Bradford will aim to capitalize on home advantage and take all three points as they look to climb the league table.
Bradford (Park Avenue) and Brighouse Town shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Horsfall Stadium in a match where neither side managed to fully impose themselves.
The game started with early opportunities for Avenue, with Colville’s scuffed shot and Sykes’ effort going over the bar. Brighouse had their chances too, but it wasn’t until late in the first half that they managed to take the lead, exposing some vulnerabilities in Avenue’s defence.
The second half saw Bradford (Park Avenue) push for an equalizer, and they were handed a chance to level the score with a penalty in the 55th minute.
However, Shanks was unable to convert, as his spot-kick was saved by the Brighouse keeper.
Despite this setback, Dan Francis managed to bring Avenue level just minutes later with a goal that offered some relief to the home side.
As the match wore on, both teams struggled to find the decisive goal. Bradford made a couple of substitutions in an attempt to break the deadlock, but Brighouse’s defense held firm, frustrating the home side.
Avenue’s inability to capitalize on their chances, combined with Brighouse’s resilient defending, meant that the game ended in a draw, a result that neither side will be entirely satisfied with.
The match reflected a struggle for consistency, with Avenue showing moments of promise but ultimately failing to secure the three points.
This result leaves Bradford (Park Avenue) with plenty to think about as they prepare for their next fixture.
Attendance: 385
Next Fixture:
Bradford (Park Avenue) returns to action on Bank Holiday Monday, hosting Liversedge at Horsfall Stadium. Kick-off at 3:00 PM.
Get ready to support our U19s as they take on three big fixtures at home this week! Come down and cheer the lads on as they represent Bradford (Park Avenue)!
Bradford (Park Avenue) is set to welcome local rivals Brighouse Town to Horsfall Stadium tomorrow night (Tuesday 20th) for an eagerly anticipated Northern Premier League East clash.
After a disappointing FA Cup exit over the weekend, Avenue will be keen to bounce back and secure three vital points in the league.
Bradford (Park Avenue) has had a mixed start to the season, and tomorrow’s match presents an opportunity to regain momentum and get back on track in their league campaign.
The team has shown glimpses of their potential, but consistency has been elusive. Head Coach Danny Whitaker will be looking for a strong response from his squad, emphasising the importance of playing with intensity from the first whistle to the last.
Brighouse Town, who have also had a challenging start to the season, will arrive at Horsfall Stadium determined to make their mark. Local derbies are always fiercely contested, and this match is likely to be no different.
With both teams looking to climb the league table, the stakes are high. Bradford (Park Avenue) will need to be at their best to secure a positive result and give the home fans something to cheer about. The support from the stands will be crucial, as Horsfall Stadium looks to become a fortress where opponents find it difficult to come away with points.
Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, 20th August 2024
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Venue: Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
Admission:
Adults: £13
Concessions: £10
Students/Blue Light/Armed Forces: £5
Youth: £3
U12s: £1
Make sure to come down and support the lads in what promises to be a thrilling encounter under the lights. Your presence and support can make all the difference as Bradford (Park Avenue) aims to claim a crucial victory against their local rivals.
Bradford (Park Avenue) were eliminated from the FA Cup in today’s Preliminary Round clash, suffering a 3-2 defeat against Stocksbridge Park Steels at Horsfall Stadium.
The visitors started strong, with Alex Hardwick finding the net in just the 5th minute after some clever play allowed him to turn and fire past Craig Ellison at the near post. Stocksbridge nearly doubled their lead in the 10th minute, but Hardwick’s effort, after a two-on-one situation, went wide.
Avenue began to grow into the game, earning a corner in the 16th minute through good work from Harry Colville and Dan Francis. Despite Bradford’s increasing pressure, including a dangerous free-kick in the 27th minute and a goalmouth scramble in the 28th that Avenue players believed had crossed the line, the equalizer remained elusive.
Just minutes later, Colville set up Dan Francis for a golden opportunity, but the latter fired over the bar, missing a crucial chance to level the score. Stocksbridge capitalized on Bradford’s missed opportunities, doubling their lead in the 41st minute when Danny Deakin backheeled the ball into the net, leaving Avenue with work to do in the second half.
Bradford came out more ambitious after the break, pushing to get back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 76th minute when headed one over the Stocksbridge keeper, reducing the deficit and reigniting the home crowd’s hopes.
However, Stocksbridge responded in stoppage time, with Joao Silva breaking through to curl the ball around Ellison, making it 3-1. Despite a late goal from Connor Shanks deep into added time to make it 3-2, it was too little, too late for Bradford (Park Avenue).
The defeat marks a disappointing exit from the FA Cup, as Stocksbridge Park Steels secured their place in the next round.
Bradford will now shift their focus back to the league, with a home fixture against Brighouse Town at Horsfall Stadium on Tuesday, 20th August, kicking off at 7:45 PM. Admission is £13 for Adults (18+), £10 Concessions (65+), £5 Students Blue Light & Armed Forces, £3 12-17s, £1 u12s, and the team will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans.
The day is here—Bradford (Park Avenue) takes on Stocksbridge Park Steels in the FA Cup Preliminary Round! The team is ready and raring to go after a strong final training session. Let’s fill Horsfall Stadium and cheer the lads on to victory!
Photo from John Rhodes. Left to Right – Craig Ellison, Kelan Swales, Luke Hogg, Kareem Hassan-Smith, Paddy Sykes (Behind), Oli Norman, Harry Colville, Ben Whelan, Alex Francis
Date: 10th August 2024 Venue: Horsfall Stadium Attendance: 335
Bradford (Park Avenue) secured a vital 1-0 victory against North Ferriby on Saturday, in our opening fixture of the 2024/25 season at Horsfall Stadium.
This hard-earned win not only marks a positive start to the campaign but also our first opening day victory since 2018. Kareem Hassan-Smith’s goal in the second half proved decisive, as we handed out no fewer than twelve debuts in this tightly contested match.
First Half:
We began the match on the front foot, with Oli Norman making an early run into the opposition area, only to see the ball run just out of play. Craig Ellison, who was outstanding throughout, made a crucial save in the 3rd minute to deny Josh Whitley and keep us level.
Photo from Connie Lea – Dan Francis in action
We created several chances in the first half, with a notable opportunity coming in the 24th minute when Kareem Hassan-Smith struck the post following an impressive run into the area. Despite our best efforts, including a penalty shout after Paddy Sykes appeared to be brought down in the box, the referee waved away any appeals. The half ended with the scoreline still goalless, but with plenty of positives to take into the break.
Second Half:
We made a change at halftime, with Josh Askew replacing Kelan Swales to bring fresh energy into the side. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Oli Norman demonstrated superb awareness to find Kareem Hassan-Smith, who finished expertly to give us the lead.
Photo from Connie Lea – Oli Norman in actionPhoto from John Rhodes – Kareem Hassan-Smith scores his first goal for the club. Photo from John Rhodes – Harry Colville, Kareem Hassan-Smith and Dan Francis celebrate the goal.
North Ferriby pushed for an equalizer, but our defense remained resolute. Craig Ellison continued to be a rock at the back, and our midfield worked tirelessly to disrupt Ferriby’s rhythm. Despite a couple of cautions for Luke Hogg and Paddy Sykes, we managed the game well and even created chances to extend our lead, with Ben Whelan heading over from a set piece late on.
The team showed great character and discipline to secure the win and maintain a clean sheet, something we hadn’t achieved on the opening day in six years.
Milestones:
This match marked our 897th in NPL football, and with three more games to go, we are approaching a significant milestone with our 900th match scheduled against Liversedge at home on 26th August.
Next Fixture:
We turn our focus to the next challenge as we travel to Belper Town on Tuesday, 13th August. Kick-off is at 7:45 PM at Raygar Stadium. We look forward to building on this positive start and continuing our momentum.
Final Thoughts:
First Team Head Coach, Danny Whitaker:
“I’m really proud of the team for their performance on Saturday. We knew it would be a tough match, and the boys delivered exactly what we asked of them. Defensively, we were solid, and Craig made some crucial saves to keep us in the game. Kareem took his goal brilliantly, and it was great to see the team work so hard for each other. There’s still plenty to improve on, but for a first outing, especially with so many debuts, it was a very encouraging performance. We’ll take the positives from this and keep pushing forward.”
Sporting Director, Thomas McStravick:
“We’re absolutely delighted with the result today and overall performance. It’s always important to start the season on a positive note, and the lads showed great determination and quality throughout the game. With so many new faces in the squad, it was encouraging to see them gel so quickly and perform as a unit. Kareem’s goal was a moment of real class and an example of how we want to play. Our defensive display was outstanding when needed. We’re excited to build on this foundation as we move forward.”
Get ready for an action-packed day at the Horsfall Stadium tomorrow, as Bradford (Park Avenue) hosts a special Family Fun Day leading up to our much-anticipated league opener against North Ferriby!
Family Fun Day: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
We’re kicking off the festivities with a variety of exciting activities for fans of all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to:
– Live DJ (Outside): Enjoy the latest tunes while soaking up the matchday atmosphere.
– Toy Tombola: Try your luck and take home some fantastic toys!
– Bottle Card Game: Win prizes in this fun and easy game.
– Tombola: Another chance to win big with a variety of great prizes up for grabs.
– Penalty Shootout: Test your skills and see if you can beat the keeper!
– Football Speed Shot: Show off your power and accuracy in this thrilling challenge.
– Xbox Competition (In Clubhouse): Compete against others in FIFA and prove your gaming skills.
– Cake Stall: Treat yourself to some delicious homemade cakes.
– Darts Game: Aim for the bullseye in our classic darts competition.
– Glitter Tattooist: Get a temporary glitter tattoo and sparkle throughout the day.
– Find the Joker: A fun and exciting game with prizes to be won.
– Ice Cream: Cool off with a refreshing ice cream treat.
– Food and Drink: Enjoy a variety of food and beverages available throughout the event.
– Raffles and Prizes: Lots of chances to win fantastic prizes in our many raffles!
Hungry or thirsty? We’ve got you covered! Hot food, drink, and refreshments will be available in the **Horton Park Suite (Academy Cafe)** and the **Green Army Cafe**. Plus, the **Clubhouse Bar** will also be open, offering a range of drinks to keep you refreshed.
League Opener: Kick-off at 3:00 PM
After enjoying the Family Fun Day, stick around as Bradford (Park Avenue) takes on North Ferriby in the league opener. The match promises to be an exciting start to the season, and your support in the stands will make all the difference!
Make sure to arrive early and bring the whole family for a day full of fun, excitement, and football. With so much happening at the Horsfall Stadium, this is one event you don’t want to miss!
Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium Gates: 11am – FREE ENTRY TIL 1:30PM FOR FAMILY FUN DAY! Kick-off: 3:00 PM
As our NPL East 2024/25 season kicks off this Saturday, Bradford (Park Avenue) is set to welcome North Ferriby to Horsfall Community Stadium.
Following a summer of intense rebuilding, (Park Avenue) are entering this season with renewed optimism. Whitaker’s new-look squad, a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, showed promise during pre-season. Four wins, a draw, and three losses might suggest mixed form, but the performances displayed resilience and attacking flair.
Pre-season saw some standout moments:
Campion 2 – 5 BPAFC: Harry Varley’s hat-trick stole the show, with additional goals from Jodi Tiffany and Oli Norman.
BPAFC 1 – 1 Ecclehill United: Joe Crosby’s goal secured a draw in a tightly contested match.
Wakefield AFC 1 – 3 BPAFC: Goals from a trialist, Connor Shanks, and Joe Crosby capped off a solid win.
Golcar United 0 – 1 BPAFC: Crosby was on target again, continuing his pre-season scoring streak.
Hinckley LRFC 1 – 2 BPAFC: Kelan Swales and Dan Francis found the net to close out pre-season on a high.
However, the team faced some tough matches, including a 0-3 loss to a strong Bradford City XI and narrow defeats to Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic.
The Visitors: North Ferriby
North Ferriby arrives at Horsfall Community Stadium with their own aspirations. After finishing just outside the playoff spots last season, the Villagers will be eager to start their campaign on a positive note.
Having achieved back-to-back promotions in 2021/22 and 2022/23, North Ferriby will be looking to rediscover that momentum and push for a third promotion in four seasons.
Their disciplined defense and physical style of play will make them a formidable opponent, and this match promises to be a stern first test for Whitaker’s men in the NPL East.
Family Fun Day: 11 AM – 1:30 PM
This Saturday isn’t just about the football—it’s also about family fun! Join us at Horsfall Community Stadium from 11 AM until 1:30 PM for our Family Fun Day. There will be a variety of activities for all ages, and entry is free before 1:30 PM. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with the whole family before cheering on the lads in our league opener.
Admission Prices
Those attending the match will be able to pay from 1:30pm, admission is as follows.
Carers: Free (Person being supported pays the applicable rate)
Season Tickets – Still Available!
Support the club throughout the season and save on matchday admission by purchasing a 2024/25 Season Ticket today.
Adults (18+): £140 (Equivalent to £7.36 per game)
Concessions (65+): £120 (Equivalent to £6.31 per game)
Students, NHS, Armed Forces, Police & Fire (with valid ID): £55 (Equivalent to £2.89 per game)
Youth (12-17): £40 (Equivalent to £2.11 per game)
Under 12s: £10 (Equivalent to 53p per game)
Your support could make all the difference as we embark on this crucial season. Together, let’s make Horsfall a fortress once again, and UP THE AVENUE!
