Avenue sunk by individual errors (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Avenue sunk by individual errors

5:55pm Sunday 6th January 2008 in

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Brigg Town 3, Bradford Park Avenue 2

Avenue's interest in UniBond Cup competitions came to an end with a disappointing defeat at Brigg Town in an all-Division One President's Cup tie with a north versus south division twist.

The Bradford side were favourites to progress as they are challenging for the title in the north section, while Brigg are having an average season in the south.

However, failure to hold on to the ball at key times and a penalty gifted the home side three goals and hastened Avenue's exit.

"I am a very disappointed man as I don't like getting beaten," said Avenue boss Benny Phillips after his side lost for the first time in 14 games.

"I know it's a while since we tasted defeat but we shouldn't have had to taste it at Brigg because they weren't a good side. Individual errors have cost us; bad decision-making, if you like.

"Yet the commitment from the lads was terrific, with everyone giving 100 per cent. The lads who needed game time and have come in have done very well. Ross Clegg had a good game and scored an absolute screamer.

"It's a little unfortunate that we have developed a habit of leaking goals in the last four games. It didn't help that Lincoln Adams only lasted ten minutes but that is all part of the game."

Avenue had the best possible start, taking the lead after just 40 seconds. Andy Lee appeared to be offside when he controlled the ball but there were no complaints from the home players as he slotted in.

Adams soon limped off with a knee injury and will miss at least next Saturday's trip to Newcastle Blue Star.

Brigg levelled just before the half-hour mark by pure determination. Avenue midfielder Tom Baker blocked a shot, the ball spun to Brigg's former Horsfall striker Jason Maxwell and, although his shot was parried by keeper Jon Worsnop, the rebound was pounced on by Rick Day to score.

There was controversy in the 41st minute when Brigg took the lead from the spot. The referee gave the penalty for a handball by Alistair Brown, even though both sets of players saw it as a ball-to-hand incident, and Paul Grimes slotted home.

Avenue were right back in the game just after the hour when a corner was only half cleared and Clegg rocketed the ball into the net from 20 yards.

Extra time was looming when Brigg won it in the 88th minute. Avenue had a corner but the hosts broke away, a long ball over the Bradford defence found Day and he lashed in a superb shot.

Day's joy was short-lived as he was sent off for a second yellow card during stoppage time.

• Avenue's reserves take on Wakefield in the Lancashire League tomorrow night, with the fourth-placed Bradford side looking to close the gap on their third-placed visitors. The match at Horsfall kicks off at 7.45pm.

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