Hemsworth Miners 2

Bradford (Park Avenue) 2

BRADFORD (Park Avenue) made the trip to the outskirts of Wakefield to the Fitzwilliam Stadium, home to the Hemsworth Miners for the first game of both sides’ pre-season.

The afternoon ended in a 2-2 draw with plenty of positives to be taken away and reflected in both dressing rooms.

Avenue manager Garry Thompson, who named himself as a second half substitute, took the opportunity to see how his players and trialists performed given solid game time, opting to field two different sides for each half.

Hemsworth began well dominating early possession leading to Sydney Cantos creating a one-on-one with Charlie Andrew, however he fired left of goal.

Avenue began to warm into the game with Ben Hedley and Matty Clarke particularly strong in midfield.

Hemsworth took the lead before half-time with a well taken header by Harry Viggars who was unmarked at the far post.

After the conceded goal, Avenue lifted the tempo and a long switch pass from Ben Hedley before half-time was delivered into the box for trialist Brad Dockerty whose deflected shot earned him a goal on visiting his home club, leading to honours even at the interval.

Visiting goalkeeper Charlie Andrew, who played both halves, made a number of good saves in the first half while Jon Moran, Hedley and Clarke all gave solid first appearances for Bradford.

Andrew re-joined Avenue on loan until January last Friday. The 19-year-old signed a new one-year deal with Championship side Hull City this summer.

Andrew impressed between the posts in a five-month temporary spell with Avenue last season, making 15 appearances and keeping four clean sheets. His arrival saw the start of a seven-game unbeaten run and he went on to help Avenue reach the Vanarama National League North play-offs after securing a seventh-place finish.

The second half against Hemsworth saw Bradford more dominant in possession, making a concerted effort to play out from the back and increase the tempo.

One of these moves saw Lewis Knight find himself one-on-one with Hemsworth ‘keeper Jordan Greaves before turning inside and out and slotting his shot home to take the lead for the visitors.

Mitchell Lund made several important challenges as Hemsworth replied before a lovely team goal from the hosts was finished by Adam Knight to make it 2-2 at full-time.

Both managers were pleased with their sides in the first hit-out of the season. Garry Thompson reported his side was injury free and looking forward to next weeks first home pre season fixture against Mansfield Town.

Avenue continue their pre-season friendly programme on Thursday night when they host League Two side Mansfield Town at Horsfall Stadium (7.30pm kick-off). Thompson's side then travel to Brighouse Town for a friendly next Saturday (3pm).