Match Report: Bradford (Park Avenue) 3 – 3 Gainsborough Trinity

In a spirited and dramatic encounter, Bradford (Park Avenue) came from behind to secure a 3-3 draw against Gainsborough Trinity at home, a result that, regrettably, could not prevent their relegation.

Despite needing a victory to avoid relegation, the match started poorly for the home team. Early confusion between goalkeeper Craig Ellison and captain Lucas Odunston nearly gifted Gainsborough’s Declan Howe a goal, though he missed his chance by scuffing the ball wide of the empty net. Despite this early reprieve, Howe did not falter again, scoring twice in quick succession at the 19th and 21st minute, first rounding Ellison to score from a tight angle, followed by a stunning volley to double the lead.

Bradford’s woes deepened when Fraser Preston added a third for Gainsborough in the 38th minute. As the first half seemed to spiral out of control for Bradford, a late resurgence saw Ted Lavelle head the ball home from a Mason O’Malley corner in stoppage time, reducing the deficit as the teams headed in for the break.

Half Time: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-3 Gainsborough Trinity

The introduction of James Hanson in place of Jake Young at half-time added some much-needed vigour to Bradford’s forward line. This was further bolstered with the introduction of Jake Daniels in place of Harry Colville on 58 minutes.

With the home side increasing the pressure, a high boot from Gainsborough’s Dylan Cogill on the 65th minute saw the player receive a red card. Taking advantage of the extra man, Bradford intensified their attacks further and Jake Daniels quickly became the hero of the hour, scoring twice in nine minutes (69′ and 78′). His first goal came when the Gainsborough keeper rushed out to claim a cross, but fumbled the ball as he collided with Hanson. The ball spilled out to Daniels who’s lobbed shot looped over the prone keeper and his defence to dip under the cross bar and narrow the gap. Daniels’ second came from when Jordan Preston’s low pass found him deep in the area with time to place his shot in the bottom corner, beyond the reach of the keeper.

The final minutes saw Bradford pushing hard for a winner, buoyed by the vocal support of the home crowd. Despite a valiant push for a winning goal, Bradford could not complete their comeback with a victory. The match ended in a draw, which, although it showcased Bradford’s fighting spirit, confirmed their relegation.

Full Time: Bradford (Park Avenue) 3 – 3 Gainsborough Trinity

Avenue will now go into the final game of the season with relegation confirmed and only pride to play for.

Teams:

Bradford (Park Avenue):

Starting 11: 1 Craig Ellison, 2 Lucas Odunston, 3 Mason O’Malley, 4 Ted Lavelle, 5 Jake Young, 6 Ryley D’Sena, 7 Edy Maieco, 8 Harrison Hopper, 9 Adrien Thibaut, 10 Jordan Preston, 11 Harry Colville

Subs: 12 Jake Daniels, 14 James Hanson, 15 Jacob Lara, 16 Lewis Hey, 17 Will Lancaster

Gainsborough Trinity:

Starting 11: 1 Dylan Wharton, 2 George Hornshaw, 3 Ashley Jackson, 4 Bailey Conway, 5 Hamish Douglas, 6 Dylan Cogill, 7 Joe Stacey, 8 Lewis Butroid, 9 Dayle Southwell, 10 Declan Howe, 11 Fraser Preston

Subs: 12 Nat Wallace, 13 Josh Render, 14 Jack Moore-Billam, 15 Kyle Simpson

Attendance: 569

Image Credit: John Rhodes