Avenue are back in top half of table after excellent win (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Park Avenue are back in top half of the table after excellent win

10:50pm Monday 18th February 2013 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Bradford Park Avenue 2, Vauxhall Motors 0

Bradford Park Avenue did what second-placed Guiseley failed to do as they ended Vauxhall Motors’ unbeaten run in the Blue Square Bet North Division.

The Motormen were the form team in the division and they stunned title-chasing Guiseley at the weekend but Bradford’s win tonight helped them leapfrog Vauxhall and return to the top half of the table.

Avenue had a nervous moment early on when left back Martin Drury made a challenge from behind and Vauxhall had a strong penalty appeal.

But the home side soon began to dominate and there were chances for Michael Duckworth and Nathan Hotte midway through the first half.

Bradford skipper James Knowles was then shown a yellow card for a poor challenge just outside the home area.

The resulting free-kick came to nothing, and Avenue broke to force a corner from which they opened the scoring, with Richard Marshall bundling the ball in.

Marshall turned provider for the second goal just two minutes before the interval.

It was his through ball that picked Tom Corner out, and the young striker rifled a low shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area.

There were chances for the visitors after the break as they hit the bar twice and forced Avenue keeper John Lamb into a fine save as he tipped a shot over.

The home side also had chances but, even though they did not add to their lead, they were good value for their victory.

Hotte turned in an excellent performance in what was his 100th appearance for Avenue.