Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC V Chester FC - Match Thread #32 - Vanarama
0
4
Following a deserved break from action we are back at it tonight as we make the journey to Yorkshire to take on Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC away where we look to record our third win in a row. This fixture has already fallen foul of the weather twice with the pitch failing another inspection on Saturday morning, so hopefully it will be third time lucky this evening. On the back of an action-packed festive schedule we endured a deserved break over the past fortnight, and luckily for us it wasn’t as long a break as previously anticipated, so let’s hope it hasn’t disrupted our momentum too much. We have a favourable set of fixtures coming up because not only do we play numerous sides in the bottom half, we only have a couple of games in hand too compared to many of our promotion rivals who have hectic schedules coming up. Therefore, it’s important we keep stringing these wins together to not only cement our place in the top two, but to also pile the pressure on the chasing pack.
Our last match was two Tuesdays ago as we won 1-0 at home against Guiseley in what was a very edgy encounter. The first half wasn’t exactly plain sailing as we didn’t receive as much of the possession that we would’ve liked, although we still created a number of opportunities. However, it was Guiseley who went closest early doors as John Lufudu smashed against the post just minutes in. We responded to that early warning sign in excellent fashion though, as two minutes later Kevin Roberts glanced home to make it 1-0 to us. It was certainly a hard-fought battle after that with both defences coming out on top, hence Kev’s header was the difference between both sides at the break. Meanwhile, the second period was surprisingly dominated by Guiseley for the best part, because the desperate Lions were all over us to push for that equaliser. Just before the 70th minute mark Simon Grand was brandished a red card for us in bizarre fashion, as a slight clip of Kaine Felix’s heel from way out was somehow enough for him to be sent down the tunnel. With time ticking Connor Taylor managed to head into the net for us, but unfortunately it was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up. Guiseley pressed and pressed and pressed, but thankfully a resolute home defence saw out the game to grind out a massive three points.
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC have had an inconsistent campaign thus far, but nevertheless The Avenue will still be satisfied with where they are currently sat in the table having endured a torrid season last time out. If it wasn’t for Covid-19 bringing last season to a halt then the hosts would’ve most certainly gone down, but Mark Bower, who is a well-respected manager at this level, has used that to his advantage by turning BPA into a competitive side again. A new 3G playing surface was installed during the Summer which obviously has had a positive knock-on effect, but our opponents have also already taken points off the likes of York City, Boston United, Spennymoor Town, and AFC Fylde - highlighting they are no push-overs. We have of course already encountered Bradford this season having comfortably knocked them out of the FA Trophy last month, and I must say they were incredibly average that night, but our recent trips to the Horsfall Stadium don’t make for sound reading which is why we must perform like we did in that tie to record maximum points.
Our record on artificial surfaces speaks for itself really, but that has to change soon so it’s vital we keep performing like we have done lately to avoid an upset. These are the type of away games where we need to put out big strong lads to be successful, especially with the conditions likely to produce another physical battle. Our upcoming away fixtures are also set to be played on unfavourable surfaces, so this will be a big test for our managers because if we want to go up, it’s crucial we come up with a formula to win ugly in these types of games, as that’s what helps define the true champions. Come On City!
Score: Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC 0-2 Chester FC (Grand, Weeks)
Attendance: 0 (0 Chester FC)
My predicted lineup:
Gray
K.Roberts Livesey Grand Askew
Johnston Glendon Weeks Bauress
Dudley Elliott
COYS!
Our last match was two Tuesdays ago as we won 1-0 at home against Guiseley in what was a very edgy encounter. The first half wasn’t exactly plain sailing as we didn’t receive as much of the possession that we would’ve liked, although we still created a number of opportunities. However, it was Guiseley who went closest early doors as John Lufudu smashed against the post just minutes in. We responded to that early warning sign in excellent fashion though, as two minutes later Kevin Roberts glanced home to make it 1-0 to us. It was certainly a hard-fought battle after that with both defences coming out on top, hence Kev’s header was the difference between both sides at the break. Meanwhile, the second period was surprisingly dominated by Guiseley for the best part, because the desperate Lions were all over us to push for that equaliser. Just before the 70th minute mark Simon Grand was brandished a red card for us in bizarre fashion, as a slight clip of Kaine Felix’s heel from way out was somehow enough for him to be sent down the tunnel. With time ticking Connor Taylor managed to head into the net for us, but unfortunately it was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up. Guiseley pressed and pressed and pressed, but thankfully a resolute home defence saw out the game to grind out a massive three points.
Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC have had an inconsistent campaign thus far, but nevertheless The Avenue will still be satisfied with where they are currently sat in the table having endured a torrid season last time out. If it wasn’t for Covid-19 bringing last season to a halt then the hosts would’ve most certainly gone down, but Mark Bower, who is a well-respected manager at this level, has used that to his advantage by turning BPA into a competitive side again. A new 3G playing surface was installed during the Summer which obviously has had a positive knock-on effect, but our opponents have also already taken points off the likes of York City, Boston United, Spennymoor Town, and AFC Fylde - highlighting they are no push-overs. We have of course already encountered Bradford this season having comfortably knocked them out of the FA Trophy last month, and I must say they were incredibly average that night, but our recent trips to the Horsfall Stadium don’t make for sound reading which is why we must perform like we did in that tie to record maximum points.
Our record on artificial surfaces speaks for itself really, but that has to change soon so it’s vital we keep performing like we have done lately to avoid an upset. These are the type of away games where we need to put out big strong lads to be successful, especially with the conditions likely to produce another physical battle. Our upcoming away fixtures are also set to be played on unfavourable surfaces, so this will be a big test for our managers because if we want to go up, it’s crucial we come up with a formula to win ugly in these types of games, as that’s what helps define the true champions. Come On City!
Score: Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC 0-2 Chester FC (Grand, Weeks)
Attendance: 0 (0 Chester FC)
My predicted lineup:
Gray
K.Roberts Livesey Grand Askew
Johnston Glendon Weeks Bauress
Dudley Elliott
COYS!