Bradford (Park Avenue) Secure Win Over Bradford City XI

Chorlton’s Second-Half Goal Decides Tom Banks Memorial Trophy

Bradford (Park Avenue) claimed victory against Bradford City XI in the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy at Horsfall Community Stadium on a sunny evening in Bradford. The match attracted an attendance of 954 spectators, keen to see the two local sides face off ahead of their upcoming seasons.

First Half: City XI Start Strong

The City youngsters began the game with energy, looking to challenge the more experienced Avenue side. Gabe Holt was a key figure for City, creating several opportunities and causing difficulties for the Bradford defence. Holt’s back-heel set up striker Jenson Gaitley, who was unable to convert a chance inside the box, with goalkeeper Dec Lambton making an easy save.

Bradford (Park Avenue) gradually found their rhythm under the guidance of Ryan Toulson. Midfielder Prince Ekpolo began to take control in the centre of the park, linking well with striker Ben Andreucci. Andreucci tested City’s goalkeeper Zac Hadi with a low shot from distance, which was saved. A corner delivered by Charlie Winfield found Rudy Misambo at the far post, but his header struck the side netting.

Ekpolo continued to create chances, threading a through-ball to Andreucci who fired a shot narrowly wide. Andreucci’s pressing also unsettled City’s goalkeeper, whose clearance rebounded off the striker and went over the bar. City responded with a notable chance when Holt assisted Gaitley, but Lambton denied the striker with a timely save.

Second Half: Chorlton’s Goal Secures Victory

The second half saw several substitutions from both teams. Bradford (Park Avenue) appeared to benefit from their squad depth. Early in the half, Ekpolo capitalised on a poor clearance by City’s substitute goalkeeper Harry Barrow, forcing a save from close range.

As the match progressed, Avenue stretched play on both wings, with Louie Chorlton and Robbie Fox causing problems for the City defence. Luke Parkin’s long-range effort came close, skimming the post, and Scott Duxbury headed just wide. City striker Josh Vipond also hit the crossbar from a corner.

The decisive moment came when Parkin delivered a cross from the left wing. Fox rose above his marker to flick the ball to Chorlton, who dispossessed a defender before scoring with a close-range shot into the roof of the net.

Avenue nearly extended their lead on a counter-attack involving substitute Connor Shanks, who intercepted a corner and set up Chorlton, but the striker’s shot narrowly missed. The experienced Avenue side maintained control to see out the match and secure the trophy.

Team Line-Ups

• Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton; Hassan-Smith (Brown 67’); Winfield (Chorlton 57’); Ekpolo (Moke 60’); Ible; Misambo; Thompson (Shanks 60’); Abbott; Andreucci; Haw (Fox 60’); Parkin.
• Substitute not used: Jones