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Thomas Feaheny
Sport Correspondent
@thomasfeaheny
11:14 AM 10th November 2020
sports

Match Report: Bradford Park Avenue

 
Bradford (Park Avenue) were able to defeat Alfreton Town 2-0 in the first game of Non-League football played during lockdown.

While during this month most levels of football are now suspended until December at the earliest, the National League North due to its elite status has been able to continue.

The game was once again held behind closed doors, with only a selected few in attendance, with media, scouts and personnel from both clubs present.

The visitors impressed during the first-half, with a number of chances, but were not able to get on the scoresheet, Toby Lees saw a well struck volley saved early on.

Avenue tried to get forward but were reduced to long efforts, but looked like they could get something from this.

The best opportunity fell to Bobby Johnson who forced Dan Atkinson into a fine close range save, the rebound would fall to Elliott Reeves who saw his effort take a deflection and hit the crossbar.

The 2nd half was certainly more even, with both sides looking to create and get the crucial opening goal.

Avenue were the ones who took the lead with 20 minutes to go, a well worked move saw, Jake Hibbs free in the area and he calmly finished.

The hosts took firm control of the game, doubling their advantage, Nicky Clee picked up a pass worked his way into the area and found the top corner with a fine strike, while there may have been no cheers in the stand on the pitch, players celebrated the goal that ensured victory.

Despite some late pressure from Alfreton, it was the home side who were able to leave the Horsfall Stadium with the valuable 3 points.

So some form of normality will be present for the next month at this level, hopefully this can continue for the clubs involved.