Great effort by Park Avenue volunteers

Bradford (Park Avenue) make the long trip to Hednesford Town on Saturday, on the back of a 5-2 defeat to the hands of their rivals; FC United of Manchester.

It was the second time that Avenue were beaten by that particular score line this season, having suffered the same fate on the 25th August 2010 at Curzon Ashton. However, the game was in serious doubt of being postponed due to the bad weather. Nevertheless, Bradford director Kevin Hainsworth praised the 'huge effort made by the volunteers,' to get the game on.

With the forecasted rain, the club invited supporters and volunteers to help fork the pitch prior to Monday's clash at 10.30am. But, people began to turn up shortly after 9am, to start draining the pitch of water. The person overseeing the task was Kevin Hainsworth, who has commented: 'The board, players and staff would like to thank everyone that helped get the FC United of Manchester game to go ahead. There were a considerable amount of volunteers who turned up, and it was credit to them, that we had a game to watch at 3pm.'

Despite the result, Avenue are still within reach of the playoffs, and travel to third placed Hednesford Town, in a stand out fixture across the forthcoming weekend fixtures. Bradford have only picked up four points from the past five league games. On the other hand, Hednesford have recorded seven points from a possible 15 available to them. Both sides have been tipped to be amongst the favourites for promotion, and the game on Saturday will be an indicator as to where they may finish at end of the season.

Furthermore, Bradford (Park Avenue) host Evostik First Division South outfit Loughborough Dynamo at the Horsfall Stadium on Monday 9th January in the Doodson Sport Cup, with kick off at 7.45pm. The Avenue progressed in a close affair at Stocksbridge Park Steels, winning 4-3 on penalties. Whereas, Loughborough Dynamo eased into the next round, defeating Stamford 3-1 at Nanpantan Sports Ground.