Silsden 1-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)

IT has been 161 days since Mark Bower's men were last in action, and they somewhat blew off the cobwebs with a friendly victory at Silsden's Keighley Road Stadium.

Originally, Avenue were set to open their pre-season on the new Horsfall 3G pitch against Huddersfield’s under-19s. However, with the surface not ready yet, the fixture was postponed. The Cobbydalers came to the rescue late last week.

With the news that 150 fans would be allowed into non-league stadia this weekend, both sets of supporters enjoyed a fairly even contest.

It provided Bower a chance to have a look at his new signings and assess several trialists to see if they fit the National League North bill.

Ex-Leeds United pair Dan Atkinson and Matt Downing got their Bradford careers off to a fine start. 

The former already commanding his defence from between the sticks and making numerous bright contributions with his feet. 

While, Downing continued to get forward throughout the first half, proving he could be a useful asset at both ends of the pitch for his new employers.

It is thought that Avenue will start the new season with Lewis Knight and Brad Dockerty on the wings. Although, the two never really got going, Knight being the only threat with a well-saved drive early on.

It was a mixed day for the trialists. The centre half one seemed a player Silsden had targeted. Striker Antony Brown enjoying constant success down his side without finding that crucial final touch.

Mitch Lund appeared wise beyond his years at the back, winning many headers, and leading his back four. There could be something in that core down the middle of Atkinson, Lund and captain Nicky Clee.

Oli Johnson didn't understandably seem his usual sharp self, but he still managed to get his goal. 

The classy Isaac Marriott bullying his way through the Northern Counties East Premier Division team's defence before being dragged down in the box to win a penalty, which Johnson converted.

Then came the new XI, this time featuring four trialists. It also presented academy starlet Jamie Lyons with a chance to impress his boss. 

The 18-year-old, who signed a two-year deal back in April, looked a different player to the timid figure that existed in short bursts last season.

The tricky winger was so direct, beating Silsden defenders and creating opportunities.

Lyons gained his first goal for the senior team after brilliant trialist work down the left found him at the back stick to finish. 

He suffered a slight knock soon after which meant he had to be replaced by assistant Danny Boshell. Luca Havern should also be ok after he needed help from the physio.

The trialist who assisted the goal was arguably the visitors' strongest player in a second period which fizzled out in truth.

The hosts halved the deficit on the 66th minute when Shaun Airey headed past Atkinson's replacement, a young goalkeeper from the academy.

Lyons' departure saw Avenue utilise their £1-a-week man Adam Nowakowski to the max. Centre half, defensive midfield and upfront were all positions he donned in his 45-minute appearance.

Silsden were the ones forcing the agenda late on in search of an equaliser, but the away side managed to hold on get their pre-season off to a winning start.

Bradford (Park Avenue): First half - Atkinson, A Trialist, Lund, A Trialist, Downing, A Trialist, Marriott, Clee (C), Knight, Johnson, Dockerty. Second half - Jacob/ Atkinson, A Trialist, Ross, Havern, Ryan Toulson, A Trialist, Nowakowski, Hibbs, Lyons (Boshell) , A Trialist, A Trialist

Silsden: Darke, Kaine (C) (Barnes), Pownall, Trueman, Airey (Britton), Hudson (Drovi), Morgan (McKiernon), Mitchell, Brown, Shazad (Everingham), Wademan (Foley)