Bradford (Park Avenue) Secure Narrow Win at Stocksbridge

August 20, 2026 Off By

Park Avenue claim second consecutive away victory in NPL East

Bradford (Park Avenue) continued their strong start to the Northern Premier League East campaign with a 2-1 win against Stocksbridge Park Steels at Bracken Moor Stadium on Wednesday evening. The victory marks their second successive away win of the season.

Early goal sets the tone

The visitors took the lead inside four minutes when Luke Parkin capitalised on a rebound to score. After a shot from Adam Haw was saved by Stocksbridge goalkeeper Samuel Orioye, Parkin fired a left-footed finish into the bottom corner to give Avenue an early advantage.

Stocksbridge respond but fail to equalise in first half

Stocksbridge Park Steels recovered from the early setback and applied pressure throughout the first half. Notable chances included a near miss from Alex O’Connor whose curling shot grazed the crossbar. The home side also saw striker Thomas Marshall fail to get a shot away after rounding the Avenue goalkeeper Declan Lambton.

Second half action and key moments

The second half saw Bradford (Park Avenue) push to extend their lead. Parkin came close to scoring again but missed the target from a cross by Charlie Winfield. The game intensified around the hour mark when Stocksbridge striker Josiah Dyer was denied twice by Lambton, including a penalty save following a spot-kick awarded to the home side.

Stocksbridge eventually levelled in the 73rd minute from an indirect free-kick after Lambton was adjudged to have handled the ball twice in his penalty area. Connor Smythe scored with a well-placed shot into the top corner.

Late winner secures victory for Avenue

Bradford (Park Avenue) responded quickly with substitutions that shifted the momentum. In the 82nd minute, substitute Connor Shanks headed home a cross from Louie Chorlton to restore the lead and secure the three points for the visitors.