Bradford (Park Avenue) Win Local Derby to Close Gap at Top

Strong performance sees Avenue move within two points of league leaders

Bradford (Park Avenue) secured their fourth victory in five league matches with a 2-0 win over local rivals Silsden AFC at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Tuesday evening. The result brings Avenue to within two points of the Northern Premier League East Division leaders, Liversedge, with a game in hand.

Match Summary

The home side started the game confidently, creating early chances. Marcus Carver was denied by Silsden goalkeeper Tommy Brown within the first three minutes, and shortly after, Carver missed a close-range header following a parried shot from Kareem Hassan-Smith.

Bradford (Park Avenue) faced some disruption as Scott Duxbury and Connor Shanks were both forced off due to injury during the first half. Despite this, Robbie Fox opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark with a powerful run and a precise finish into the far corner.

Silsden responded strongly after half-time, testing Avenue’s goalkeeper Declan Lambton with a header that was tipped over the crossbar. However, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser.

Bradford (Park Avenue) doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Fox made another impressive run down the left flank and set up substitute Brad Abbott, who scored with a first-time finish.

Key Moments and Performances

• Robbie Fox’s pace and finishing were crucial, contributing both goals and assists.
• Goalkeeper Declan Lambton made important saves to maintain the clean sheet.
• Silsden’s Tommy Brown also performed well, preventing a larger margin of defeat.
• Bradford (Park Avenue) managed the game effectively in the closing stages, limiting Silsden’s chances.

Team Line-Ups

Bradford (Park Avenue): Lambton, Brown, Winfield, Ekpolo, Duxbury (replaced by Chorlton 20′), Ible (captain), Hassan-Smith, Shanks (Abbott 30′), Carver (Andreucci 89′), Parkin (B. Thompson 85′), Fox (J. Thompson 77′).

Silsden AFC: Brown, Sikora, Gardner (Hebda 55′), Cromack, Cassidy (captain), Pickles, Hyde, Rodrigues (McKiernon 83′), Buah (Hamdosh 76′), Jeffrey (Bedford 55′), Brooksbank (Hunt 84′).

Next Fixture

Bradford (Park Avenue) will next face Grimsby Borough at home on Friday evening. A victory in that match would see Avenue reach the top of the Northern Premier League East Division for the first time this season.