Bradford Beaten In Battle Of Belper

Bradford (Park Avenue) tasted their first defeat of the season on Tuesday in a closely fought contest against Belper Town.

Despite hopes that Avenue could build momentum following a 1-0 win against North Ferriby on Saturday, The Nailers held out at home to secure a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a second-half header from Ben Rhodes.

Match Report: Belper Town 1-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

The match, which drew an attendance of 452, saw Avenue start brightly, pressing Belper from the outset. In the 5th minute, Avenue earned an early corner following a good combination between Dan Francis and Oli Norman, although the resulting set-piece failed to pose any threat. Twelve minutes in, Norman tried his luck from distance, but his deflected effort was comfortably gathered by Belper’s keeper, Daniel Moore.

Despite Bradford’s strong start, it was Belper who began to carve out the more dangerous opportunities as the first half progressed. Luke Rawson, a constant thorn in Avenue’s defence, played a key role for the hosts. He created a golden chance in the 17th minute for Keaton August, who found himself one-on-one with Avenue’s Craig Ellison, only to see his shot trickle wide of the post.

As the half wore on, Belper continued to pressure Avenue, with Rawson again involved in the 40th minute when his shot was blocked as the Nailers pushed for an opener. Despite their efforts, the first half ended goalless, with both sides having failed to find a breakthrough.

Avenue emerged from the break with renewed vigour, controlling the early stages of the second half. Chances fell to Kelan Swales, Paddy Sykes, and Dan Francis, but the visiting side couldn’t convert their chances into a goal.

The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Belper’s Ben Rhodes, who had been a threat throughout, finally broke the deadlock. After an initial corner almost saw Rhodes find the back of the net, he wasn’t to be denied again, meeting the following corner with a low header to beat Ellison and give the hosts the lead.

Bradford (Park Avenue) a made late substitution in an attempt to salvage something from the match, bringing on Theo Hudson for Harry Colville in the 90th minute, but Belper’s resolute defence held firm. Despite four minutes of added time, Avenue couldn’t find an equaliser, and the match concluded with a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

Avenue will now turn their attention to their upcoming FA Cup tie against Stocksbridge Park Steels at Horsfall Stadium this weekend, where they will hope to start a much needed cup run.

Full-Time: Belper Town 1-0 Bradford (Park Avenue)

Goal: Ben Rhodes (73’)

Attendance: 452

Teams:

Belper Town

Starting 11: 1 Daniel Moore, 2 Ben Rhodes, 3 Paulo Aguas, 4 Lewis Austin, 5 Jack Broadhead, 6 Ioan Evans, 7 Keaton August, 8 Mason Warren, 9 Luke Rawson, 10 Nathaniel Crofts, 11 Brodie Litchfield

Subs: 12 Toby Gregory, 14 Nathan Whitehead, 15 Adam Tsolakis, 16 Larell King, 17 Harvey Adams

Bradford (Park Avenue)

Starting 11: 1 Craig Ellison, 2 Kareem Hassan-Smith, 3 Dan Francis, 4 Luke Hogg, 5 Alex Francis, 6 Ben Whelan, 7 Kelan Swales, 8 Connor Dimaio, 9 Paddy Sykes, 10 Harry Colville, 11 Oli Norman

Subs: 12 Josh Askew, 13 Harrison Smith, 14 Connor Shanks, 15 Theo Hudson, 16 Harry Varley