Match Report: Bradford (Park Avenue) 2 – 1 Basford United

Bradford (Park Avenue) Secure A Vital Win in Relegation Battle Against Basford United

With their league survival hanging in the balance, Bradford (Park Avenue) entered todays home fixture requiring nothing less than three points.

The Avenue started the match well, exerting significant attacking pressure which resulted in an early 4th minute goal from Adrien Thibaut. Thibaut intercepted a loose ball at the centre circle, dribbled towards the box, and fired a shot across the goal, finding the back of the net and setting a positive tone for the home team.

Basford United responded with increased vigour, generating several attacking opportunities. Their efforts nearly paid off with a series of attempts, including a deflected shot by Revarnelle James and a stunning 30-yard strike from Matt Thornhill, which Bradford’s goalkeeper Craig Ellison impressively tipped over the bar. Just a few minutes later a powerful run from Mancinelli provided another opportunity for James, but some determined defending from Jake young saw the attempt deflected behind for a corner.

Despite mounting a resilient defence, Avenue eventually conceded just before half time, giving Thornhill too much space and allowing him to find the back of the net from 30 yards out. All was not lost though. As added time drew to a close, Harry Colville delivered a corner to the near post, where Ted Lavelle managed to flick the ball in under the bar, marking the second goal for Avenue.

HALF-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 2 – 1 Basford United

The second half saw Basford United striving to alter the course of the game. A chance came in the 51st minute when Matt Thornhill delivered a precise ball over the top to Jack Thomas. However, Thomas’s attempt was thwarted as Bradford’s goalkeeper, Craig Ellison, confidently caught the ball, denying Basford a vital equalising opportunity.

Basford found a golden opportunity to level the score in the 85th minute as substitute Tyler Dacres connected with a cross, directing a header towards goal, but his effort was met by yet another crucial save from Ellison, who tipped the ball over the bar in a dramatic fashion, preserving Bradford’s slender lead.

The remaining minutes saw Basford throw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but Bradford’s defence stood resolute, absorbing the pressure to see the game out.

FULL-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 2-1 Basford United

With this victory, Bradford have maintained their slim chance of avoiding relegation, needing to win their remaining two games and hope that Basford and Stafford Rangers drop points in their final matches.

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 Jak Whiting, 16 Lewis Hey, 17 Will Lancaster

Basford United:

Starting 11: 1 Kieran Preston, 2 Jack Waldron, 3 Henri Wilder, 4 Prince Mancinelli, 5 Victor Nierennold, 6 Joshua Barnes, 7 Kane Richards, 8 Matt Thornhill, 9 Remaye Campbell, 10 Jack Thomas, 11 Revarnelle James

Subs: 12 Finn Ryder, 14 Toby Ritzema, 15 Tyler Dacres, 16 Harry Goddard, 18 Kye Wade

Attendance: 384

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