Bradford Park Avenue 1 Oxford City 2

Park Avenue failed to beat ten-man Oxford City tonight and it cost them the chance to move above neighbouring rivals Harrogate Town.

The Bradford club had won their last four league games to put themselves back into the Blue Square Bet North promotion play-off race.

But they stalled at Horsfall Stadium despite Oxford being reduced in numbers midway through the first half.

Craig Stanley had already given the visitors a 14th-minute lead before their skipper Andy Ballard got his marching orders.

Stanley pounced after a free-kick was only half-cleared and he shot across home keeper John Lamb and into the bottom corner.

Ballard was shown a straight red card for a foul on Michael Duckworth but Avenue could not capitalise.

The hosts came out for the second half more attack-minded but a Duckworth effort curled wide and Adam Clayton headed a Paul Walker cross into the arms of the visitors’ keeper.

Oxford then doubled their lead when a Mark Bell free-kick was headed home by Chris Wilmott.

The home side sparked into life but it took them until the 79th minute to get a foothold in the match.

A cross from Duckworth was converted by a close-range header from substitute Tom Corner.

Corner also had the ball in the net just into injury-time but it was from an offside position.

Avenue will not have time to lick their wounds as they head to Oxford for the reverse fixture on Wednesday night.

Avenue spokesman Lewis Sale said: “Oxford are a good side. They came to us, played well and beat us fair and square.

“John Deacey had our side well prepared for the game but sometimes you just have to accept that the other team were better on the day.

“It didn’t even make too much difference when they were reduced in numbers. It was a good effort from them and one of those nights for us.”

Alex Davidson (knee) and Martin Drury (ankle) both missed out and face a battle to be fit enough for inclusion for the trip to Oxford.