Bradford (Park Avenue) Return to Top with 4-1 Win Over Ashington

Bradford (Park Avenue) extend unbeaten run to 12 games

Bradford (Park Avenue) moved back to the summit of the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division after securing a 4-1 victory against Ashington AFC at the Horsfall Community Stadium. The win extended their unbeaten league start to 12 matches, marking their best start to a league season since 1964.

Match summary

The hosts started strongly, with Robbie Fox nearly opening the scoring in the second minute, only for an offside flag to rule out the goal. Bradford continued to press and eventually took the lead in the 16th minute. Jake Thompson’s run was picked out by Scott Duxbury, who scored from a tight angle to give the home side a deserved advantage.

Seven minutes later, Bradford doubled their lead. Thompson delivered an in-swinging corner which Duxbury headed home. Despite another disallowed goal for offside against Ben Andreucci, the Avenue extended their lead to 3-0 in the 39th minute. A defensive error from Ashington allowed Luke Parkin to set up Andreucci, who finished precisely into the bottom corner.

Bradford continued to threaten before half-time, with Thompson narrowly missing a second goal when his curling effort struck the post. The visitors cleared the rebound to keep the score at 3-0 going into the break.

Second half action

Bradford maintained possession for much of the second half, gradually wearing down Ashington. The visitors pulled a goal back in the 71st minute when Noah Cunningham scored with a clever flick, marking his fifth goal in four games.

The goal appeared to re-energise Bradford, who came close to restoring their three-goal lead. Substitute Louie Chorlton’s shot was saved, and Adam Haw’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line. Another goal by Marcus Carver was ruled out for offside in the 79th minute.

Bradford sealed the win in the final moments when Thompson scored his second goal of the match. After a one-two with Haw, he drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 4-1.

Team line-ups and details

• Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton; Brown (Chorlton 49′), Duxbury, Abbott (Moke 85′), Ible (c), Ekpolo, Hassan-Smith, J. Thompson, Fox (Carver 73′), Parkin (Haw 68′), Andreucci (B. Thompson 73′)
• Goalscorers: J. Thompson (16′, 90′), Duxbury (23′), Andreucci (39′)

• Ashington AFC: Alexander; Groves, Cogdon, Wombwell, Almond, Donaldson, Gibson (Henderson 57′), Ross (c), Cunningham, Gilchrist, Thompson
• Goalscorer: Cunningham (71′)

Additional match information

• Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
• Venue: Horsfall Community Stadium
• Attendance: 466
• Kick-off: 15:00
• Referee: Reagan Webber

League implications

With Liversedge losing away at Matlock Town, Bradford (Park Avenue) capitalised to move to the top of the table, holding several games in hand. The team will look to maintain their momentum in their next fixture against Bridlington Town, aiming to extend their unbeaten run and strengthen their position in the league.