Oh Boyes! Bradford Park Avenue climb to fifth in Vanarama National League North

BRADFORD Park Avenue moved up to fifth in Vanarama National League North with a hard earned but thoroughly deserved victory over Boston United last night.

Avenue had struggled against ten-man Nuneaton Town as they were forced to settle for a draw at Horsfall Stadium just three days earlier, but they got what they deserved here - three points and an extension of their unbeaten run to seven games.

Adam Boyes had the ball in the Boston net in the tenth minute, but from an offside position.

In The 17th minute, a quickly-taken Nicky Clee free-kick sent Oli Johnson away but his shot was wide of the target.

After doing most of the pressing in the early stages, Avenue found themselves a goal down on the half-hour.

Ashley Hemmings whipped in a free-kick, and Brad McGowan turned it past home keeper Ed Hall.

Boston’s lead didn’t last long, however, as Mark Ross netted his first Avenue goal minutes later, latching onto a long throw-in before firing past Pilgrims’ keeper George Willis.

The visitors’ stopper was in action again soon after as he denied Johnson and, just before the break, Boyes fired over after meeting Wayne Brooksby’s excellent low cross.

The Pilgrims’ skipper Adam Chapman sent in an early effort after the interval that flew just over the angle of post and bar, but Avenue countered and a Clee volley was deflected for a corner.

Just two minutes later, Boyes swept in the winning goal with a neat finish after the visitors failed to clear Graham Kelly’s low through ball.

Avenue keeper Ed Hall made good saves to deny James Clifton and Hemmings but the home side had a penalty appeal turned down after the ball appeared to have struck Clifton’s arm, while Willis pulled out a top- drawer save in the penultimate minute to prevent Brooksby from making it three.