BRADFORD (Park Avenue)’s four-game winning run came to an end in the Northern Premier League East Division last night, as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Carlton Town.

Dan Francis put the hosts ahead early on at Horsfall, only for Lewis Durow to equalise just before half-time.

It was a relatively even game for the most part, but Avenue completely dominated after the hour mark.

They could not find the winner they were after and the draw means they slip out of the play-off places on goals scored.

But they remain in a strong position heading into Saturday’s away league game at struggling Consett.

Avenue boss Craig Elliott sent out an attacking line-up and his side hit the front after only five minutes.

Mark Beevers knocked a corner back across goal and Francis was there to turn the ball home with a diving header.

Carlton hit straight back with a flurry of chances and somehow failed to find an immediate equaliser, coming closest when they had a shot cleared off the line.

Paddy Sykes almost put Avenue 2-0 up just before the half-hour mark, only to head Francis’ cross narrowly wide.

Paddy Sykes was looking to build on scoring twice in his last two games.Paddy Sykes was looking to build on scoring twice in his last two games. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Francis nearly grabbed his second goal on 38 minutes, but his long-range effort was well kept out by Carlton stopper Felix Annan.

And that save proved crucial a few moments later, when Durow thundered a volley past Avenue keeper Jack Hall following a corner.

Straight after the break, home defender Ben Blythe headed Connor Shanks’ corner over at the near post, while at the other end, Hall made an excellent stop after Carlton’s Liam Moran got in behind.

Jack Hall had to be at his best to stop Carlton from taking the lead early in the second half.Jack Hall had to be at his best to stop Carlton from taking the lead early in the second half. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Just after the hour mark, Annan made a good save from Will Calligan, who had found some space in the box.

Shanks then chased down a long ball and put a low cross into the box, only for Jack Normanton to strike it just wide.

Sykes came agonisingly close to restoring Avenue’s lead when he hit the post with a header, before Calligan somehow blasted a loose ball just over the crossbar from six yards out.

The hosts had one final chance in the dying seconds, but Sykes could only head Blythe’s cross wide of the target.