How Bradford (Park Avenue) got on against Grimsby Borough

Avenue won 3-1 against Grimsby Borough after taking an early lead from Connor Shanks.

All three of the goals came before the hour mark.

The first action of the game saw Avenue come close to a goal as Dan Francis headed on Kelan Swales’ cross just wide of the net.

However, Park Avenue were the first on the score sheet with an amazing goal from Shanks who slotted the ball into the top right-hand corner.

Connor Shanks (11) put Avenue ahead in the early stages of Saturday's game. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Grimsby, who were under the cosh, were finally able to get into the game with just under 15 minutes gone as Jack Richardson tested Craig Ellison who had no problems making an incredible save.

The first two yellow cards came with only 20 minutes of the game gone and they went Avenue's way to Connor Dimaio and Shanks.

With just under half an hour gone Grimsby had dealt with a succession of corners very well as Avenue sough to increase their lead.

But largely against the run of play, Borough equalised with an amazing shot from Richardson which Ellison could not stop.

Minutes later, Grimsby looked as if they may take the lead. However the shot went wide, causing no problems for Ellison.

With 35 minutes of the game gone, Avenue were awarded a penalty after Norman was pulled down in the box and the referee pointed straight at the spot.

Norman made no mistake and put Avenue back in front with a fantastic shot.

Just minutes before half-time Norman almost got a second. However it caused no trouble for the Borough keeper as it was securely saved.

The last action of the first half saw another yellow went Avenue’s away as Dimaio was cautioned.

Unbelievably, as the second half kicked off another yellow was awarded to Avenue to substitute Josh Askew.

Grimsby were to go close in the second half as Reece York struck a vicious a free kick to the goalkeeper’s side but Ellison was up to the job.

With just under an hour of the game gone, Park Avenue enjoyed some positive attacks however with some great defending nothing was converted.

Minutes later, Norman secured his second of the game after he latched on to a rebound when Askew’s shot could only be parried away.

Bantams legend James Hanson (left) was in interim charge on Saturday before Craig Elliott comes in, and Oli Norman's brace ensured his side grabbed a 3-1 away win. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Borough looked to tighten up on Park Avenue and stop them from running away with the lead and they duly produced a shot on target which caused no problems for Ellison when scooping it up.

With just over 15 minutes of the game left, Borough saw their first yellow of the game which went to Alfie Taylor.

As the clock ticked down Avenue were given another another yellow card to Askew, which resulted in him ultimately being sent off with a red card.

Avenue were under the cosh - as Borough surged forward in a bid to pull a goal back to set up a grandstand finale.

The last action of the game saw two more yellow cards awarded to Francis and Harry Colville in a game where half the squad had been carded, but Grimsby could not find a way through.

Bradford (Park Avenue) currently sit 12th in the table on seven points after five games.

But new manager Craig Elliott will want to make sure his side don’t suffer the same breakdown in discipline as they did in this game.

Further sendings off could prove fatal in a season which promises so much.

Avenue’s next game is away from Horsfall as they face Witton Albion in the FA Trophy first qualifying round.