Clayton goal consolidates Avenue's play-off bid (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Adam Clayton goal consolidates Bradford Park Avenue's play-off bid

10:40pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Thackley By Ian Whiting

Bradford Park Avenue 1, Workington 0

Simon Baldry returned to Horsfall Stadium tonight but as a visiting player and he ended on the losing side as Avenue won their fourth consecutive fixture in the Blue Square Bet North Division.

Adam Clayton’s match-winner just after the hour helped the Bradford club consolidate eighth place and keep their promotion play-off hopes alive.

The first half was a tight affair and it was no surprise that it ended goalless.

The home side had the first goal attempt after their keeper John Lamb had collected a ball and launched a counter-attack.

Former Avenueite and Huddersfield Town winger Baldry appealed for a penalty just after the quarter-hour mark when his ball in appeared to hit a defender’s hand, but the referee was not interested. The resulting corner was headed clear by Avenue skipper James Knowles.

The half ended with a long-range free-kick from Richard Marshall that sailed straight through for a goal kick, and that seemed to sum up the first period.

There was a flurry of activity after the break as both sides came out with renewed vigour. Avenue were the most lively in that spell and it paid off as they soon broke the deadlock.

Clayton began the move and, after an interchange of passes with Paul Walker, he continued his strong run before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Avenue almost put the gloss on the win with a second goal minutes from time but Marshall’s 20-yard free-kick struck the inside of the post before being cleared.

Meanwhile, there could be a sizeable contingent of Brighouse Town management and players swelling the attendance at Clayborn tomorrow night as Liversedge take on Bridlington Town in the Baris Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Brid would displace Brighouse and claim second place with a win so Paul Quinn’s men will be looking for a huge favour from their nearest neighbours.

Sedge remained in 15th place following a draw at the weekend and another stalemate would be enough for Town to stay ahead of Brid.

In the same division, Thackley will be looking to bounce back from a defeat when they host Hall Road Rangers.

The Dennyboys retained ninth spot despite Saturday’s loss and they will be expected to win at home as their visitors are propping up the table.