Bradford (Park Avenue) Complete Unbeaten Pre-Season with Win

Strong second-half performance secures victory at Gainsborough Trinity

Bradford (Park Avenue) concluded their pre-season campaign without defeat after a 2-0 win against Gainsborough Trinity at The Northolme. The match, played on a hot afternoon, saw the Avenue dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities against a team from a higher division.

Match Summary

The first quarter of the game was relatively quiet in terms of goal-scoring chances. Gainsborough Trinity threatened early on with a counter-attack, but Bradford captain Jameel Ible made a crucial sliding tackle to deny striker Theo Williams. Shortly after, Bradford came close to opening the scoring through two quick chances. A low corner from Luke Parkin was met by Marcus Carver, whose header narrowly missed the target. Parkin then unleashed a right-footed shot from 20 yards that struck the bottom of the post. Louie Chorlton was quick to react to the rebound but was denied by the Gainsborough defence.

Before half-time, Carver attempted a powerful effort from 25 yards following a set-piece, but the shot went wide.

Second Half Action

Gainsborough made several changes at the break, including the introduction of midfielder Elliott Whitehouse, who tested Bradford goalkeeper Declan Lambton from distance. However, Bradford soon took the lead when Louie Chorlton scored in the 51st minute. The goal came after Robbie Fox set up Luke Parkin, whose chipped shot hit the woodwork. Chorlton capitalised on the rebound and scored from close range.

Both teams made numerous substitutions in the second half, but Bradford continued to press forward. After coming on as a substitute, Ben Andreucci doubled the visitors’ lead in the 64th minute. The move involved Adriano Moke winning possession and passing to Fox, who then assisted Adam Haw. Haw’s cross was met by Andreucci, who headed the ball into the net.

Bradford maintained control for the remainder of the match, with defenders Ible and Winfield making important blocks to preserve a clean sheet. The team comfortably saw out the game, completing their pre-season preparations on a positive note.

Team Line-Up and Scorers

• Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton (Jones 89′), Brown (Hassan-Smith 59′), Duxbury, Abbott (Ekpolo 59′), Misambo, Ible, Chorlton (Thompson 59′), Shanks (Moke 59′), Carver (Andreucci 63′), Parkin, Fox (Winfield 69′).
• Goals: Louie Chorlton (51′), Ben Andreucci (64′).

Next Fixture

Bradford (Park Avenue) are set to begin their Pitching In Northern Premier League East season at home against local rivals Silsden AFC on Tuesday 11 August, with a 7.45pm kick-off. This fixture is subject to confirmation depending on Silsden’s result in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday 8 August.