Bradford (Park Avenue) 2025-26 Season Review

Season Overview

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC experienced a season of mixed fortunes in 2025-26 under the management of Craig Elliott, who took charge early in the previous campaign. After stabilising the club following consecutive relegations, the team finished 10th in the prior season and aimed to mount a promotion challenge. The club undertook a significant recruitment drive, blending new signings with returning players to strengthen the squad.

August to October: Strong Start and Cup Progress

The season began with a series of challenging fixtures, including matches against promotion favourites Matlock Town. Avenue started with draws against Matlock Town, Emley AFC, and Hallam, showing resilience by coming from behind in some games. They then secured three consecutive league wins against Dunston, Pontefract Collieries, and Ossett United, with left-back Charlie Winfield standing out.

In cup competitions, Avenue exited the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round but progressed in the FA Trophy, defeating Redcar Athletic on penalties and then Consett 2-0. The team continued their unbeaten run in the league for much of September, with wins over Blyth Spartans and Lincoln United, and a notable 2-1 home victory against Ashington.

October saw further cup success with a 2-1 FA Trophy win over Heaton Stannington, setting up a tie against Morpeth Town, which they won on penalties. The team suffered their first league defeat to North Ferriby but bounced back with wins and draws, including a West Riding County Cup victory over Pontefract Collieries.

November to January: Mixed Results and Key Performances

November was challenging, with home wins and away defeats, including a heavy loss to eventual champions Redcar Athletic. The FA Trophy run ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Radcliffe of the National League North after a spirited performance.

December included a 3-0 West Riding County Cup win over Selby Town and a dramatic 94th-minute winner against Blyth Spartans. However, the month ended with several disappointing league results.

In January, Bradford secured a 2-0 win over local rivals Brighouse Town and a 4-0 victory at Ashington, with striker Marcus Carver in fine form. The team experienced a shock exit from the County Cup against Barnoldswick Town and recorded consecutive league draws.

February to April: Push for Playoffs and Final Matches

February brought a return to winning ways, highlighted by a 2-0 home win over Matlock Town, inspired by debutant Ben Andreucci’s two goals. Avenue also won against Blyth Town and Consett but lost narrowly to local rivals Silsden.

March was inconsistent, with home wins and away defeats, including a 1-1 draw against league leaders Redcar Athletic in front of a strong home crowd. The month ended with a narrow victory over Hallam.

April was crucial as Bradford aimed for a playoff spot. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Dunston, the team responded with an emphatic 8-0 win over Brighouse Town. Subsequent victories against Grimsby Borough and Bishop Auckland lifted Avenue into the playoff positions with one game remaining. A tense final match against Ossett ended in a 2-1 win, securing the last playoff spot.

Playoff Campaign

In the playoff semi-final, Bradford caused an upset by defeating Matlock Town 2-1 away, despite Matlock finishing 13 points ahead in the league. Goals from Marcus Carver and Ben Andreucci secured the victory, with goalkeeper Jack Hall making crucial saves.

The playoff final against Emley was a tightly contested match. After a goalless 90 minutes, extra time saw Avenue reduced to ten men following a second yellow card for captain Mark Beevers. The match went to penalties, where Emley prevailed after Bradford missed a spot-kick, ending Avenue’s promotion hopes.

Looking Ahead

Following the season, manager Craig Elliott confirmed his commitment to the club, signalling stability and ambition for the future. Despite missing out on promotion, the team’s late-season form and playoff run have provided a platform to build on for the next campaign.