Bradford (Park Avenue) Extend Unbeaten Run with Narrow Victory

Challenging conditions at Bridlington test both teams

Bradford (Park Avenue) moved four points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League East Division after securing a 1-0 win away to Bridlington Town. The victory extended their unbeaten league run to 13 games, achieved in difficult weather conditions on the East Yorkshire coast.

Match overview

The match, played on a wet and windy evening, saw both sides struggle to establish control during a scrappy first half. The heavy rain and strong gusts made fluid football challenging, limiting clear chances for either team.

Bridlington Town’s defence remained resolute during the opening 30 minutes, restricting Bradford’s attacking opportunities. The visitors attempted several long-range efforts, but these were well dealt with by the home side. Bridlington’s best chance came in the 28th minute when captain Ahmed Salam delivered an inswinging corner, met by Alex Markham, whose header narrowly missed the target.

Decisive moment before half-time

The only goal of the game arrived in the 41st minute under unusual circumstances. Scott Duxbury launched a free-kick from inside the Bradford half, and Bridlington defender Kyle Fanning inadvertently headed the ball over his goalkeeper and into the net. While Duxbury claimed the free-kick was on target and suggested the goal should be credited to him, it was officially recorded as an own goal by Fanning.

Second half action

The second half saw an increase in tempo, with Bradford starting strongly. In the 49th minute, Robbie Fox had a chance to double the lead but was denied by Bridlington goalkeeper Alex Baird. As the match progressed, Bridlington increased their pressure, taking advantage of the wind and rain.

Bradford goalkeeper Declan Lambton made a crucial double save in the 69th minute, first stopping a one-on-one attempt and then quickly reacting to block the rebound. His performance was vital in maintaining the narrow lead.

Bridlington came close to an equaliser in the 84th minute when a cross from Hamza Hamdosh deflected off Charlie Winfield and struck the crossbar. Bradford’s defence managed to clear the danger, and the visitors held on to secure all three points.

Disciplinary issues and upcoming fixtures

Both Connor Brown and Jameel Ible received yellow cards during the match, resulting in suspensions for the next league game against Heaton Stannington on Saturday, 24 October. Manager Craig Elliott will need to adjust his squad accordingly.

Match details

• Date: Tuesday 20 October 2026
• Venue: HDM Energies Stadium, Bridlington
• Attendance: 234
• Referee: Conor Ledgeway
• Final score: Bridlington Town 0-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Team line-ups

Bridlington Town: Baird, Batty, Markham, Marshall (Hamdosh 82′), Fanning, McLoughlin, Bolino (Kettlewell 65′), Tweed, Birdsall (Marriott 65′), Salam (c), Nnenanya (Stewart 73′). Unused substitute: Tibbett.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton, Brown, Duxbury, Abbott, Ible (c), Ekpolo, Chorlton (Carver 58′), J. Thompson, Fox, Parkin (B. Thompson 73′), Andreucci (Winfield 57′). Unused substitutes: Moke, Misambo.