Avenue Narrowly Defeated by South Leeds in County Cup

October 28, 2026 Off By

Bradford (Park Avenue) fall 3-2 at Horsfall Community Stadium

A largely changed Bradford (Park Avenue) side was edged out 3-2 by South Leeds in the West Riding Senior County Cup at Horsfall Community Stadium on Tuesday evening. The match saw manager Craig Elliott rest several first-team players ahead of an important league fixture, with the team featuring mainly reserve and under-19 players under the guidance of coach Owen Murphy.

Early Goals Set the Tone

The visitors took an early lead in the seventh minute when Avenue defender Connor Douglas inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to clear a cross. South Leeds quickly extended their advantage seven minutes later through Warren Carr, who finished precisely into the bottom corner after finding space inside the penalty area.

Carr completed his hat-trick in the 28th minute, capitalising on a sweeping move down the right flank to tap in from close range, putting South Leeds 3-0 ahead before half-time.

Avenue Fight Back in Second Half

After the interval, Bradford (Park Avenue) showed greater determination and pulled a goal back just four minutes into the second half. Substitute Max Walker delivered a corner that captain Jodi Tiffany headed home, reducing the deficit to 3-1.

The home side continued to press, with another Walker corner nearly resulting in a goal when the ball struck the post. Reuben Armitage then unleashed a long-range shot that was tipped over the crossbar by South Leeds goalkeeper Ryan Eades.

Ten minutes later, Tiffany scored his second goal of the match, finishing powerfully from another Walker corner to bring the score to 3-2.

Late Pressure Fails to Yield Equaliser

Bradford maintained pressure in the closing stages, with Michael Douglas firing a low shot from the left in the 84th minute, only for Eades to save and concede a corner. Despite their efforts, the home side were unable to find a leveller, and South Leeds held on to secure their place in the second round of the competition.