In a battle of two promotion chasers in the Northern Premier League East Division on Saturday at Horsfall, Bradford (Park Avenue) drew 1-1 with Dunston.

Both goals came in the first half of the game, with Kareem Hassan-Smith opening the scoring for the hosts with a fine goal, before Dan Turner netted the equaliser for the North East visitors.

A win for either side would have moved them within a point off the play-off places, but instead they both had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Avenue got the first chance of the game when Connor Shanks was able to get the ball to Ben Blythe, who in turn fired a low effort towards goal, forcing Dan Lowson to make a save.

Minutes later and Lowson had make another stop when Hassan-Smith put in an inviting cross, which a Dunston man nearly turned into his own net.

With just over half an hour of the game gone, Avenue took the lead when Hassan-Smith found the back of the net with a superb goal.

He drove hard at his full back before unleashing a fierce effort across Lowson, giving him no chance as the ball snuck inside the far post.

Avenue celebrate after Kareem Hassan-Smith opened the scoring with a fine goal.Avenue celebrate after Kareem Hassan-Smith opened the scoring with a fine goal. (Image: John Rhodes.)

But just seconds before the half-time whistle, Dunston’s first proper shot of the game resulted in a goal.

It was another fine finish to match the one from Hassan-Smith, as Turner curled the ball in from the edge of the box past Avenue stopper Jack Hall.

The first action of the second half saw the brilliant Hassan-Smith put a dangerous ball into the box, but it was cleared well by the Dunston defence.

Dunston tried to retaliate when JJ O’Donnell looked for goal with a volley, however it was easily saved by Hall.

Jack Hall largely did what he had to do on Saturday, and had no chance of stopping Dan Turner's fine goal for Dunston.Jack Hall largely did what he had to do on Saturday, and had no chance of stopping Dan Turner's fine goal for Dunston. (Image: John Rhodes.)

With just 15 minutes left of the game, Hassan Smith again broke down the right but this time his shot was well saved by Lowson.

Avenue almost took all three points from the game late on with what have been a worthy winner.

Midfielder Ted Lavelle cracked a fierce 25-yard strike towards goal which looked set to fly into the top right corner, only for the diving Lowson to get a strong hand to the shot and tip it over the bar.

The draw means Avenue are currently sat in seventh place on 29 points, as they remain behind Dunston on goal difference.

Avenue’s next league game is a West Yorkshire derby as they travel to second-bottom Ossett United tomorrow night.