Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves Secure First League Win

Reserves claim first three points of the season against Kellingley Welfare

Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves recorded their first league victory of the season with a 4-2 win over Kellingley Welfare at the Horsfall Community Stadium. The match saw a competitive contest between two sides with contrasting early-season records, as Kellingley arrived unbeaten and Avenue sought their first win after two games.

Match Summary

The game began with Avenue applying pressure, forcing several corners, although Kellingley’s defence, featuring tall defenders, managed to handle the aerial threats. Both teams demonstrated good ball control, but Avenue appeared to create more chances in the opening stages.

Kellingley Welfare took the lead following a turnover in a dangerous area. A speculative shot was saved by Avenue goalkeeper Luke Morris, but the rebound was scored by the visitors. Despite this setback, Morris made a key save to keep the score at 0-1 as Avenue began to dominate possession and attack.

Pressure from Avenue resulted in an equaliser in the 38th minute. After a scramble in the penalty area, Tidiane Diallo’s shot hit the crossbar, and Michael Douglas was alert to head the ball home. The first half ended with the score level at 1-1, following a near miss from Douglas and a Welfare free-kick that went just wide.

Second Half Action

After the restart, Kellingley Welfare regained the lead amid some offside protests. However, Avenue responded strongly, with goalkeeper Morris producing a notable save to deny Welfare. The home side gradually regained control, with Mason Brewis and Max Walker influential in midfield.

Michael Douglas then scored a fine goal to level the match at 2-2. Avenue continued to press for a winner, and Douglas completed a hat-trick when he capitalised on a saved shot by Diallo, finishing from close range to put Avenue ahead.

In the closing stages, substitute McKenzie Murphy delivered a cross that led to Jayden Cuffe scoring from a rebound, extending the lead. Douglas added a fourth goal in the final moments of the game, securing a man of the match performance and sealing a 4-2 victory for Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves.

Additional Notes

• Luke Morris made several important saves throughout the match, contributing significantly to the win.
• The Reserves remain unbeaten at the Horsfall Community Stadium since joining the West Yorkshire League last year.
• The victory marks the first league points of the season for the Reserves, who had previously drawn one and lost one of their opening two matches.

Upcoming Fixture

Bradford (Park Avenue) Reserves will next face Oxenhope Recreation Reserves in an away fixture scheduled for Wednesday evening, with kick-off at 6.30pm.