Bradford (Park Avenue) lose to FC United of Manchester

It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead in this Northern Premier League Premier Division clash.

Jay Fitzmartin launched a counter-attack by carrying the ball all the way into the visitors’ 18-yard box and United’s number 10 remained composed and slotted his effort past the outstretched dive of George Sykes-Kenworthy.

Just before the half-time break the hosts doubled their lead as Fitzmartin got his second of the match.

The tricky forward skipped past two defenders before slotting his effort into the bottom right corner.

Mark Bower’s side started the second half brightly, as Will Longbottom’s free kick was lofted into the box but the resulting header was sent just wide.

Will Longbottom also had a penalty shout turned down on a difficult afternoon for the visitors. (Image: John Rhodes.)

The hosts soon regained control of the match and didn’t allow Avenue many chances to get a foothold back in the game.

It ended in a 2-0 defeat for Bower’s side after an impressive performance from the hosts.

Afterwards, Bower said: “I’m disappointed obviously, we weren’t quite at it today.

“We were loose in possession and gave the ball away far too many times under no real pressure.

“They also got to more second balls than us today, we were just a yard off it each time.”

One positive was the return of experienced defender Mark Ross to the club, who started the game after his re-signing was announced on Saturday.

Mark Ross slides in for the ball on his return to the club. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Bower said: “I thought he was brilliant; his energy levels were fantastic. To come in and play 90 minutes, especially in these conditions like he did, was great.”