Curzon Ashton 1 Bradford Park Avenue 3
Park Avenue booked themselves a place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup courtesy of a double from Danny Holland against Evo-Stik Division One North outfit Curzon.
It was good news for the club but Holland’s performance meant there was a frustrated figure on the sidelines. Fellow striker Tom Greaves was among the substitutes awaiting the call that would have seen him make his 200th appearance for the club but that landmark will have to wait.
Greaves could have expected a nod from Bradford boss John Deacey in the first half as Avenue failed to make the most of the chances they created.
They had a slender lead at the break after Alex David-son, returning to the side following injury, broke the deadlock – his shot having enough power even though keeper Josh Ollerenshaw got a glove to it.
Only one of Avenue’s two new loan signings made his debut and he was soon into the game. A corner from Craig Radcliffe picked out Paul Walker, who drilled the ball across the box, where a sliding Holland turned it onto the post.
Early in the second half, Holland and Marshall missed chances and Walker’s trickery opened up the home defence again before Liam Wakefield fired wide.
The relieved home side made a game of it when they levelled on the hour, Kristian Dennis cutting in from the left before netting. Avenue hit back just seven minutes later. Holland was played through by Davidson and, although Ollerenshaw parried his first effort, the striker buried the rebound.
The game was broken up a little by several substitutions from both sides but the result was put beyond doubt ten minutes from time. Walker’s intelligent header cut out a defender, giving the forward time to drill in a low centre and Holland converted it.
Avenue boss John Deacey has also drafted in former Guiseley midfielder Liam Needham from FC Halifax Town on loan but his and Radcliffe’s inclusion has meant James Riley and Matt Dempsey have had to make way.
Deacey promised to help both players find a new club and rumours suggest they could be heading to Farsley .
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