Pre-Match Programme: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Stocksbridge Park Steels

August 15, 2024 Off By admin

Bradford (Park Avenue) enter the fray in the FA Cup Preliminary Round this Saturday as they face off against Stocksbridge Park Steels at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The Avenue have had a mixed start to the season. They opened their campaign with a solid 1-0 victory at home against North Ferriby, showcasing their attacking potential. However, a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Belper Town on Tuesday further highlighted some vulnerabilities in their defence, an area that will need tightening if they are to progress in the FA Cup.

Craig Ellison Called Into Action Against North Ferriby – Photo Credit: John Rhodes

Stocksbridge Park Steels, on the other hand, have shown resilience early in the season. Having defeated Prestwich Heys 2-1 in the Extra Preliminary round, the side secured a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 against Bishop Auckland in their league opener, before securing a 1-1 draw against Cleethorpes Town on Wednesday. Stocksbridge have shown a great ability to score from crosses, an aspect of their play that Bradford’s defence will need to be particularly wary of.

The midfield battle is likely to be crucial in this encounter. Bradford’s attacking strength will be tested by a Stocksbridge side that has demonstrated a capacity to score when given space. Avenue’s defence will need to close down any opportunities quickly, especially from wide positions.

Players to Watch

Bradford (Park Avenue) – Craig Ellison: With Bradford’s back line up looking a little unsettled in their opening games, all eyes will be on Avenue’s number 1. Having joined the squad late last season, Ellison has gone on to produce a number of outstanding performances so far, proving to be absolutely vital during their 1-0 victory against North Ferriby on Saturday.

Stocksbridge Park Steels – Alex Phillipson: It’s unusual for a defensive player to be the top goal scorer for a side, but the former Leeds United youth player has found the back of the net twice in three games. Admittedly, it’s very early in the season, but Phillipson seems to be getting in the right place at the right time to put the ball away when it comes in from out wide.

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Head To Head: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Stocksbridge Park Steels

Bradford (Park Avenue) have a strong record against Stocksbridge Park Steels, having won four of their last five encounters. The most recent meeting between the two teams dates back over a decade to November 2011, when Avenue secured a comfortable 2-0 victory. Historically, Bradford has had the upper hand and have consistently stifled the Stocksbridge attack, keeping clean sheets in each of their victories.

Date	Home/Away	Score	Away	Competition
05/11/2011	Bradford (Park Avenue)	2 – 0	Stocksbridge Park Steels	Northern Premier League
27/09/2011	Stocksbridge Park Steels	2 – 2	Bradford (Park Avenue)	Northern Premier League
05/03/2011	Bradford (Park Avenue)	3 – 0	Stocksbridge Park Steels	Northern Premier League
02/10/2010	Stocksbridge Park Steels	0 – 1	Bradford (Park Avenue)	Northern Premier League
27/02/2010	Bradford (Park Avenue)	2 – 0	Stocksbridge Park Steels	Northern Premier League

Predicted Result: Stocksbridge Win

With both teams having shown flashes of quality early in the season, this match could be closely contested. However, despite Bradford’s home advantage and their superior head-to-head record, their vulnerability at the back will likely be unable to stifle Stocksbridge’s wide attacking style. If they hope to progress in the cup, Avenue will either have to sacrifice their forward options to bolster the defence, or try to outscore a side who have 6 goals in 3 games so far.