JORDAN Preston was Bradford (Park Avenue)'s hero yesterday afternoon, as he plundered a vital last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw with relegation rivals Kettering Town at Horsfall.

The National League North clash started badly for Avenue, who went behind after 26 minutes to a goal from George Forsyth.

But in a fiery end to the first half, Kettering keeper Cameron Gregory was sent off for an off-the-ball incident, forcing midfielder Forsyth to go in goal.

Jacob Blyth missed a penalty late on for Avenue, but their incessant pressure finally paid off in the fifth minute of added time, as Spennymoor Town loanee Preston found the net.

The result keeps Avenue three points clear of the four-team relegation zone, while Kettering remain in there on goal difference.

Preston fired the first big chance of the game just wide, before George Sykes-Kenworthy was forced into a good save from Sam Bennett.

Forsyth nodded home at the back post following a corner to put the visitors in front, before Avenue had a shot cleared off the line and Will Longbottom's effort clipped the bar.

Kettering's Keaton Ward had a shot tipped wide, before Longbottom was booked for angrily reacting to an Ellis Myles tackle.

Moments later, the ball was kicked out of Gregory's hands, and in the ensuing melee, the visiting stopper was dismissed.

Kettering began the second half on top, but Avenue then had an effort hit the bar, before they were given a penalty when Harrison Hopper was brought down.

Blyth blazed the spot-kick into the stands, but Avenue came again, with a shot cleared off the line and another effort striking the crossbar.

But Preston saved the day, slamming a last-gasp effort past the despairing Forsyth to salvage a crucial point for Avenue.