Boston United 1 Bradford Park Avenue 0

BRADFORD had another debutant defender in their starting line-up last night but their luckless streak continued as defeat left them in the National North relegation zone.

The home side started well but Avenue soon got into the game and made life difficult for the Pilgrims.

Bradford created a good opening midway through the goalless first half but Chris Sharp’s header was over the target.

Boston striker Gregg Smith was a constant threat to the Avenue defence and was on the end of almost every attack the home side mustered.

Evan Gumbs, who was signed on a month’s loan from National League side Tranmere Rovers earlier in the day, picked up a yellow card on his debut.

There were chances for both sides in the second half with Avenue defender Andy McWilliams making a great block and keeper Joe Cracknell doing superbly well to tip over a 20-yard shot.

Avenue looked the most likely to score as the second period went on but – as has happened so many times this season – they were floored by a sucker punch.

With little under eight minutes remaining, Smith finally got his reward when, following a quickly taken corner and a deep cross, he headed past a devastated Cracknell.

It was a better night for Thackley in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League top tier as they rattled in five goals against Parkgate.

The visitors are yet to bank a single point and they were undone last night by a Dan Broadbent hat-trick.

He claimed a treble, the third from the penalty spot, with Ben Joyce and Rob Foulds also weighing in. Ross Shelton netted on the quarter hour mark as Parkgate briefly levelled.

Silsden were also winners at home as they beat newcomers Carlisle City in Division One of the Hallmark Security League.

The visitors broke the deadlock from the penalty spot through Ryan Errington but a brace from Chris Wademan – one in each half – saw the Cobbydalers through to a victory.

Tonight sees both Albion Sports and Eccleshill United in the NCEL action.

Albion are at home against Bridlington Town, while Eccleshill host Hall Road Rangers in Division One.