Bradford (Park Avenue) Extend Unbeaten League Run to 15 Matches

Hard-fought 1-1 draw at Consett maintains Avenue’s impressive start

Bradford (Park Avenue) continued their unbeaten start to the Northern Premier League East Division season with a 1-1 draw away at Consett AFC on Saturday 31 October 2026. The result extended their record-breaking league run to 15 matches, although it saw them drop to second place in the table.

Match Summary

The game, played in foggy conditions at Belle View Stadium, saw the home side start strongly. Consett, known for their high-scoring home form with 27 goals in eight games prior to this match, took the lead in the 26th minute through Isaac Walker. Walker scored with a powerful, dipping strike into the top corner, leaving Bradford goalkeeper Declan Lambton with no chance.

Earlier in the match, Consett had a goal disallowed for offside after Oli Thompson finished from a rebound. The hosts also missed a clear chance to double their lead when Donny Holdsworth was unable to convert a one-on-one opportunity with Lambton.

Bradford’s Response

Bradford struggled to create clear chances in the first half but showed increased intensity after the interval following tactical adjustments by manager Craig Elliott. Early in the second half, the visitors pressed hard, forcing a goal-line clearance and hitting the post with a cross from Marcus Carver.

Louie Chorlton came close to scoring in the 55th minute, but Consett’s goalkeeper Harry Moss made a strong save. Consett also threatened on the counterattack, with Lambton making a notable reaction save to keep the visitors in the game.

Equaliser and Late Drama

Bradford’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Marcus Carver, the team captain, scored his first goal since August. Carver found space inside the penalty area and finished low past Moss to level the score.

In the closing stages, Bradford appeared to have taken the lead when substitute Ben Andreucci scored from close range, but the goal was ruled out for a narrow offside. Consett continued to push for a winner but were denied by defensive blocks from Charlie Winfield, who was playing in an unfamiliar right-sided defensive role.

Match Details

• Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
• Venue: Belle View Stadium
• Attendance: 385
• Referee: Nicholas Vincent
• Final Score: Consett AFC 1-1 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Team Line-ups

Consett AFC: Moss, Gomez, Constantin, Leech, Colledge (Daniels 61′), Exley (c), Todd (Smith 78′), Costello, Holdsworth, Thompson, Walker
Unused substitutes: Claydon, Inneh, Hunt
Goalscorer: Walker (26′)

Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton, Chorlton (J. Thompson 75′), Duxbury, Abbott, Songo’o, Misambo, Winfield, Ekpolo, Carver (c) (B. Thompson 86′), Haw (Andreucci 67′), Fox
Unused substitutes: Jones, Parkin
Goalscorer: Carver (79′)

Next Fixtures

Bradford will next travel to Morpeth Town on Tuesday evening. The team will welcome back Connor Brown and Jameel Ible from suspension. A victory at Craik Park would see Bradford return to the top of the Northern Premier League East Division table.