After Ossett United dumped Bradford (Park Avenue) out of the FA Trophy last weekend, Craig Elliott’s side turned their attention back to Northern Premier League East Division on Saturday.
And they enjoyed an excellent afternoon, earning a much-needed three points after winning 2-0 against Heaton Stannington at Horsfall.
Both goals came inside the first 10 minutes, as Avenue stunned their visitors.
The first action of the game saw the ball find the back of Heaton’s net.
A miscommunication at the back meant that Jack Normanton was able to pick up a loose ball and curl it past the keeper Lewis Brass to score in double-quick time on his league debut for the club.
Five minutes later and Avenue doubled their lead, as Connor Shanks was able to slot the ball home calmly after amazing play down the left side.
With 15 minutes gone, Avenue were completely dominating proceedings.
Normanton tried to get his second of the game as he got in behind, but Brass was able to catch his shot with no problems.
Soon after, Brass scuffed a clearance straight to Normanton, but the former Silsden and Brighouse Town striker failed to make the most of his good fortune.
Stannington’s first chance came just before the half-hour mark after they were able to work the ball into the area, however home keeper Ed Hall swept up any danger.
It was Hall’s first league appearance of the season, after No.1 Craig Ellison picked up an injury in the warm-up.
The game also marked the debut of former Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton centre back Mark Beevers, who immediately added solidity to the Avenue backline.
At the other end, the hosts went close again as Paddy Sykes got his head to the ball at the far post, but Brass was able to save.
With Just over an hour of the game gone, Avenue thought they had finally put the ball into the net for their third.
However, the linesman’s flag was up for offside, denying Normanton a second goal on debut.
With just under 15 minutes left, Stannington tried to get on the score sheet with some good play to get the ball to Konner Lamb, who turned to strike but sent his shot into the stands instead.
Minutes later Avenue had a great chance as Joe Crosby latched on to the ball after some great passing play, but Brass was able to summon up a fantastic save.
The last action of the game ended in another chance for Avenue, but Brass kept out Sykes’ header.
Thanks to the win, Avenue jumped up to 11th in the table, though they will be aiming higher than that come the season’s end.
Next week, Elliott’s men are away from Horsfall as they visit West Yorkshire rivals Garforth Town.
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