Bradford (Park Avenue) Held to Goalless Draw by Heaton Stannington

Competitive Northern Premier League East Match Ends Without Goals

Bradford (Park Avenue) were held to a 0-0 draw by Heaton Stannington at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday, 18 October 2025. The match, attended by 360 spectators, was a closely contested Northern Premier League East fixture, with both sides striving for control but unable to find the net.

Match Summary

Craig Elliott’s Bradford (Park Avenue) started the match strongly and created the majority of the early chances. Marcus Carver’s early free kick was saved by Heaton goalkeeper Alfie Gordon, with Kareem Hassan-Smith’s rebound effort hitting the side netting. Carver also had a volley comfortably saved, while Joe Ackroyd’s low shot was blocked inside the box.

Mark Beevers, returning from injury and captaining the team, came close with a half-volley that narrowly missed the target. Ackroyd tested the goalkeeper again shortly before half-time as Bradford pushed for an opening goal.

The second half saw fewer clear chances as Heaton Stannington adopted a more defensive approach, slowing the tempo and defending deep. Carver’s header was well saved midway through the half, and Louie Chorlton had a half-chance that was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper. Late in the game, substitute Luke Parkin’s half-volley deflected wide for a corner, but Bradford were unable to break the deadlock.

Implications and Reactions

The draw extends Bradford (Park Avenue)’s unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions. The club remains third in the Northern Premier League East table with 28 points, trailing Matlock Town by one point and new leaders Redcar Athletic by two points.

Manager Craig Elliott commented on the match, noting that the team “played really well first half” but expressed some frustration with the second half. He added that the side remains in a strong position and aims to continue improving.

Captain Mark Beevers, making his comeback from injury, described the result as “feeling a bit like a defeat” but welcomed the clean sheet on his return to the team.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Tuesday, 21 October 2025: Bradford (Park Avenue) host Pontefract Collieries in the West Riding County Cup (kick-off 7:45pm)
• Saturday, 25 October 2025: Bradford (Park Avenue) face Morpeth Town at the Horsfall Community Stadium in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper