Bradford (Park Avenue) Lose Late in FA Trophy Qualifier

August 30, 2026 Off By

Stalybridge Celtic secure victory with last-minute goal

Bradford (Park Avenue) were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Trophy First Round Qualifying match, held at Stalybridge. The visitors took an early lead but were unable to hold on, conceding twice before the final whistle.

Match Summary

Bradford (Park Avenue) started strongly, wearing their full away kit for the first time this season. The team dominated possession in the early stages and took the lead inside the opening ten minutes. Ben Andreucci capitalised on a defensive error by Stalybridge’s left-back Kyle Brownhill, firing the ball into the net from inside the penalty area.

Despite Bradford’s control of the game for the next 20 minutes, Stalybridge Celtic equalised against the run of play. Celtic captain Liam Tongue scored with a powerful low strike from approximately 30 yards out, which skidded on the wet surface and beat goalkeeper Dec Lambton just before half-time.

In the second half, Stalybridge increased their attacking threat, taking advantage of the slope of the pitch. Bradford maintained composure on the ball but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Both managers made substitutions in an effort to avoid a penalty shootout.

Marcus Carver came close to restoring Bradford’s lead shortly after coming on, but Stalybridge goalkeeper Charlie Monks made a crucial save by blocking Carver’s shot at his feet.

The decisive moment came late in the match when Monks launched a long ball down the right wing to Andy Scarisbrick. Scarisbrick, who was one of Stalybridge’s standout performers, skilfully got past Jameel Ible and rounded Lambton before scoring the winning goal, much to the delight of the home supporters.

Bradford pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were denied a penalty after a late appeal, with Brad Abbott receiving a booking for diving.

Team Line-ups and Details

Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton; Brown; Winfield; Ekpolo (Abbott 80′); Duxbury; Ible (captain); Chorlton (Hassan-Smith 71′); Moke; Andreucci; Fox (Carver 58′); Parkin (Shanks 80′); Thompson (Parkin 71′).
Goalscorer: Ben Andreucci (9′)
Attendance: 447