Bradford (Park Avenue) and Farsley game off after defeats

Not only did they lose 1-0 to both Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic, on Saturday and last night respectively, but logistical issues at Horsfall due to a pre-booked event there have forced them to cancel this weekend’s marquee derby against Farsley Celtic.

Fortunately, Hinckley Leicester Road have stepped in at short notice, so Bradford will travel there on Saturday to round off their pre-season campaign instead.

Explaining the issue with hosting Clayton Donaldson’s Celts, Avenue released a club statement which read: “We would like to update our supporters of the planned pre-season friendly against Farsley Celtic on Saturday, August 3.

“Due to an event that was booked in at the stadium some time ago for this weekend and some unexpected logistical changes we’ve tried to work with Farsley Celtic to move the kick-off to 5pm.

“Unfortunately, this doesn’t suit them which has left us with no alternative but to postpone the fixture.

We will now be travelling to Leicestershire to face Hinckley in what will be a very competitive fixture with the league season just one week away.

“Kick-off is at 1:30pm, and the address is Leicester Road Stadium, Leicester Road, Hinckley, LE10 3DR.”

It means an unexpected away friendly for Avenue before Danny Whitaker’s men kick off their Northern Premier League East Division campaign against North Ferriby at Horsfall on Saturday, August 10.

And they will hope it is a case of third time lucky in the space of a week after the disappointment of Mossley and Stalybridge.

Against the former, Avenue edged the first half, with Paddy Sykes coming close to scoring on three occasions, only to be denied each time by Mossley keeper Fin Madigan.

The visitors also had a shot cleared off the line by Kacper Mialkowski, while at the other end, Obua Mugalula looked to be the home side’s biggest attacking threat.

Mason Fawns went close with a free kick for Mossley early in the second half, before he got chance to make the most of a better opportunity when a trialist was brought down in the box on 54 minutes.

He put the penalty into the top corner to put the hosts in front, and Avenue rarely threatened thereafter, with only some good work at the back, first by the defence then visiting keeper Craig Ellison, stopping Alfie Belcher from doubling Mossley’s lead.

Avenue quickly had to dust themselves down before they played host to Mossley’s fellow Greater Manchester side, Stalybridge, last night at Horsfall.

Harry Colville had an early half chance for Avenue, but Stalybridge should have took the lead, only for former Guiseley man Liam Tongue to miss a sitter in front of an open goal.

Whitaker’s men then wrestled back control, Connor Shanks threatening twice in the space of five minutes before a Colville lob dropped just wide.

Harry Colville (right) looked extremely bright before the break last night. (Image: John Rhodes.)

But like on Saturday, Avenue conceded soon after the break, this time to Jack Irlam.

The hosts hit back determinedly, Shanks cutting inside and firing just wide before young Ben Whelan had a header superbly saved by Charlie Monks.

Kelan Swales then fired a great chance straight at Monks, and he was denied again moments later by some brave defending after being set up by Joe Crosby.

And despite a late push, Avenue could not create any more clearcut chances, slipping to another narrow defeat as a result.