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BPA: Travellers Tales

Posted by Kelly Gilchrist
Posted on Sun 12 Mar 2017
Posted in First Team

Finally, at 1:30 the Greetland Shayman appeared; what a long morning that was flicking endlessly though the television channels whilst watching the clock. By the time, weโ€™d picked Tesco Pete up we began to wonder if we should have set off sooner. It doesnโ€™t feel quite right having an away game only 15 minuteโ€™s drive away, especially on a Saturday.

Bradford Park Avenueโ€™s Horsfall stadium is an interesting place to watch football. The car park provides a full panoramic view of the ground situated above the perimeter fence on a grassy slope.ย  The ground, owned by the local authority, is also used for athletics, with a full size running track between the fans and the action. The main stand with 1800 seats is steep with tightly packed white seats once acquired from Lordโ€™s cricket ground. There is a gathering of portable buildings behind the other goal with a club shop, hospitality and refreshments. The changing rooms are perhaps the most unusual in the league; a building similar to a house sitting alone on the far side of the ground.ย 

The first half was goalless; a difficult pitch resulted in the ball bobbling about, both teams gave it plenty but there wasnโ€™t much action in the penalty areas. Park Avenue has recently installed a small metal covered terrace directly behind one of the goals for the home fans. It holds about 50 fans and they seemed delighted, banging and cheering throughout the first half. Perhaps things look better close?

The second half was far more entertaining, Bradford took the lead scoring right in front of noisy fans. The Shaymen replied with three goals in the last 15 minutes and a couple of red cards in between. It was one of those days where everything looked lost one minute and then all very straightforward the next. It was a good win against a team doing well in recent weeks, but caution needed – driving back, we found that all the teams around us had also won…

Next up weโ€™re off to FC United of Manchester and their new stadium, a great crowd, a great atmosphere and we canโ€™t wait.

Total miles on the road this season 2478, total Goals 41

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