Bradford (Park Avenue) keep fine run going at Consett

Connor Shanks put the visitors in front early on, before Paddy Sykes added their second moments before the break.

An early second-half penalty was tucked away by Consett’s Brandon Holdsworth, but Sykes’ second goal after 82 minutes secured victory for Avenue, who have now won five and drawn one of their last six league games.

The game's first action went Consett’s way when Will Constantin was able to make his way into the box, with on-loan Avenue keeper Jack Hall there to deny him.

Avenue retaliated a couple of minutes later when Shanks was able to pounce on some shoddy defending from Consett, but he fired his effort straight at home stopper Harry Moss.

With just under 15 minutes gone, Shanks was finally able to find the back of the net when an amazing ball in from Sykes found his head, and he made no mistake in putting it in the right place, giving Moss no chance.

Connor Shanks (10) gets in between two Consett defenders to head Avenue into the lead on Saturday. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Sykes turned from provider to scorer moments before half time to double Avenue’s lead.

He was able to take advantage of another defensive mistake and slotted the ball home perfectly.

But Consett responded impressively early in the second half, quickly pulling a goal back.

Will Shaw was fouled in the box, which resulted in a penalty and Holdsworth had no problem converting it and getting himself on the score sheet.

But Craig Elliott and his assistant Vill Powell have built a steelier Avenue side than we’ve seen for several years, and they were not about to let victory slip away.

Vill Powell and Craig Elliott have overseen a sensational run of form for Avenue over the last few weeks. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Instead, with just under ten minutes of the game left, Sykes was able to find the back of the net, securing his second goal of the game and three points for his side.

Jimiel Chikukwa sent a fantastic ball through to Sykes who smashed it past Moss to seal victory.

Avenue sit fifth on 23 points, but with fellow high-flyers Belper Town losing, Elliott’s men are only a point off second-placed Cleethorpes Town.

Tomorrow, Avenue return to Horsfall, where they will entertain top of the table Emley AFC.

A home win would take them just three points off the summit, but Emley present the ultimate challenge to their hosts’ superb run.

The visitors have only lost once in the league all season, and have scored the most goals and conceded the least in the division.