Pre-Match Programme: Grimsby Borough vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

August 31, 2024 Off By admin

Bradford (Park Avenue) face tough test this Saturday as they go up against Grimsby Borough under interim manager James Hanson.

The Avenue will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season when they travel to the Bradley Football Development Centre this weekend. The match marks the first game for Avenue under the guidance of James Hanson, before Craig Elliott fully steps into his new role as first team manager.

Bradford currently sit 14th in the Northern Premier League East Division with four points from their opening four matches. Their season began with a mix of results, including a narrow victory, a draw, and two disappointing losses, the latest of which was a heavy 4-1 defeat to Liversedge on Bank Holiday Monday. That result prompted the Avenue board to part ways with Whitaker and appoint veteran striker James Hanson as interim manager, before bringing Craig Elliott onboard to stabilise the team’s form.

Their opponents, Grimsby Borough, have had a more positive start to the season and are currently 7th in the league with seven points. Grimsby have shown strong form, particularly at home, with notable victories such as a 5-0 thrashing of Ossett United and a 3-0 win over Sherwood Colliery. They also held Cleethorpes Town, who sit second in the league, to a goalless draw in their most recent fixture. Grimsby will be aiming to continue their strong start and cement their position in the upper reaches of the table.

Players to Watch

Bradford (Park Avenue) – Harry Colville: Avenues 4-1 defeat at the hands of Liversedge was a tough one to watch, but there was one player who consistently showed his best side. Colville was involved in the action up and down the right wing with a sense of determination which was missing elsewhere in the squad. The decision to sub Colville in the second half baffled a number of supporters on the day, but if he carries that determination with him into Saturdays game then he’ll be sure to make an impact.

Grimsby Borough – Adam Drury: Grimsby’s top scorer last season, Drury is an ever present figure in the squad. The winger has scored twice so far this year and if history is anything to go by, we can expect more from him as the season progresses.

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Head To Head: Grimsby Borough vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

This is the first time that Bradford (Park Avenue) have faced Grimsby Borough since the latter’s reformation in 2003, so there’s little historical context between the two clubs to draw upon. The sides did meet during the 1989-90 season in the Central Midlands League Supreme Division, but that incarnation of Grimsby Borough folded a few years later.

Credit: Our thanks go to Avenue club historian Tim Clapham for his incredible insights.

Predicted Result: Grimsby Win

With morale low in the Avenue dressing room, Hanson has been working on lifting the sides spirits. With Craig Elliot poised to take command following the game, the interim manager won’t want to rock the boat too much and, as such, this game is about steadying the ship rather than sailing full speed ahead. To that end, we expect to see Bradford focused on getting the basics right; maintaining possession and not conceding rather than pushing for the win. That said, Grimsby Borough have been a high scoring team so far this season and if Avenue don’t keep their shape, they will be severely punished.