2 weeks Ago
BRADFORD (Park Avenue) lost 2-1 at Pontefract Collieries on Easter Monday, as Iyrwah Gooden quickly found out the fickle nature of football. He was the hero on Saturday, scoring twice in Avenue’s 3-2 win over Grimsby Borough, but he took on villain status yesterday, receiving a red card in his side’s defeat. Pontefract were left delighted by their derby-day win, as it guaranteed their survival in the Northern Premier League East Division with a game to spare.
Mid-table Avenue started slowly yesterday, finding themselves behind after just 12 minutes. A lovely break allowed Bailey Thompson to get through on goal, and he struck the ball past keeper Luke Taylor at the near post. Pontefract doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark, captain Harry Spratt crossing for Louie Chorlton to send a superb header into the top corner.
And Spratt was the hero at the other end seconds before the break, making a sensational block to stop Avenue from halving the deficit. Visiting boss Craig Elliott made a triple substitution at the break, as Ben Blythe, Jak Whiting and Paddy Sykes all came on. Avenue instantly improved, but could not find the goal they needed, while Gooden picked up a yellow card 10 minutes into the second half.
The away side eventually found the net through substitute Sykes after 70 minutes, setting up a grandstand finish. Paddy Sykes scored for Avenue yesterday, but it proved to just be a consolation goal. (Image: John Rhodes) But Avenue’s hopes of a comeback died shortly afterwards, after a clumsy high foot from Gooden as he challenged for the ball saw him sent off for a second bookable offence.
Pontefract saw the game out thereafter, while Avenue were left to lick their wounds. Elliott’s side face one final league game on Saturday, as they host Ashington, who also officially secured their survival yesterday..
