Pre-Match Programme: Witton Albion vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
September 2, 2024Bradford (Park Avenue) take a break from league action on Saturday as they hit the road to face Witton Albion in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round.
The match, which kicks off at 3pm, will mark the debut of newly appointed First Team Manager Craig Elliott, who takes charge following the club’s recent struggles in the Northern Premier League East Division.
Bradford’s season has been a mixed bag so far, with the team currently sitting 12th in the league after a much-needed 3-1 victory over Grimsby Borough last weekend. That win, overseen by interim manager James Hanson, ended a difficult run of form for Avenue and provided a crucial boost ahead of Elliott’s arrival. With Elliott now at the helm, Bradford will be eager to build on that momentum and advance in the FA Trophy.
Their opponents, Witton Albion, are in strong form, sitting fifth in the NPL West Division. Witton have had an impressive start to their season, with their most recent fixture resulting in a 3-2 FA Cup First Qualifying Round victory over City of Liverpool. Led by the prolific Duckworth, who has been in exceptional goal-scoring form, and supported by the likes of Rokka and Daly, Witton have proven themselves to be a formidable force, especially at home.
Witton’s recent results have seen them score freely, including a 4-0 demolition of Runcorn Linnets and a 3-0 away win at Atherton Collieries. Their only blemish so far was a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Kidsgrove Athletic in the league, but they quickly bounced back with commanding performances in both league and cup competitions.
For Bradford, this match presents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity to test themselves against one of the stronger sides in the NPL West Division. Elliott’s experience and tactical nous will be crucial as he looks to navigate his first match in charge and set the tone for the rest of the season.
With both teams in good spirits and looking to progress in the FA Trophy, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a compelling contest. Bradford fans will be hopeful that their team can continue their upward trajectory under new management and secure a positive result against tough opposition.
Player to Watch
Joe Duckworth: At 23 years old, the young forward has quickly made a name for himself. He had an instant impact upon joining Witton in 22/23, finding the back of the net 18 times to become the side’s top scorer. After a brief spell with Bury, where he added three more goals to his tally, Duckworth returned to Witton and continued his prolific form. By the end of last season, he had scored 30 goals in 75 matches for the club.
This season, Duckworth has been in scintillating form, already netting eight goals in just seven games. As a forward known to make his mark on any match, Duckworth’s presence will be crucial for Witton Albion, and Bradford’s defence will need to be at their best to keep him quiet.
With Craig Elliott taking charge of his first game for Bradford, keeping Duckworth under control will be a top priority. If Duckworth is allowed space and time, he is likely to have a major impact on the game and could be the difference-maker in this closely contested tie.
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Head to Head: Witton Albion vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
The two sides have met on the field 18 times across various competitions. Overall, Bradford holds a slight edge with 10 wins to Witton’s 7, while only one match has ended in a draw.
Bradford’s first encounter with Witton came on November 26th, 1966, in a memorable FA Cup First Round tie, where they saw out a 3-2 victory in front of a crowd of 5,318 at home.
The last time the sides met was a 4-1 league victory for Avenue in December 2008, a match that coincidentally marked the beginning of former Bradford manager John Deacey’s tenure.
Curiously, history seems to be repeating itself, as Bradford’s new manager, Craig Elliott, also starts his tenure with a match against Witton Albion.
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20 2008 | Witton Albion | 1-4 | Bradford (Park Avenue) | NPL Premier Division |
| Nov 22 2008 | Bradford (Park Avenue) | 2-0 | Witton Albion | NPL Premier Division |
| 25 Feb 2006 | Bradford (Park Avenue) | 2-3 | Witton Albion | NPL Premier Division |
| 1 Oct 2005 | Witton Albion | 2-3 | Bradford (Park Avenue) | NPL Premier Division |
| 25 Apr 2001 | Bradford (Park Avenue) | 4-1 | Witton Albion | NPL First Division |
Credit: Our thanks go to Avenue club historian Tim Clapham for his incredible insights and the Witton Albion Website.
Predicted Result: Avenue Win
There’s a strong sense of hope for Bradford heading into this FA Trophy clash. With Craig Elliott taking charge for the first time, the team will be eager to impress their new manager and continue their upward trajectory. Despite Witton’s solid form this season, Bradford’s renewed focus and determination, combined with Elliott’s experience and tactical acumen, could see them pull off a win, advancing to the next round and marking the start of a promising new chapter for the club.
Matchday Information
- Date: Saturday, 7th September 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: U Lock It Stadium (CW9 6DA)
