BRADFORD (Park Avenue) suffered an unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Kettering on the opening day of the National League North season on Saturday.

A Claudio Ofosu penalty halfway through the first half proved the difference, but Bradford had their chances, and hit the bar twice late on.

New signing, forward Akeel Francis, was announced before kick-off for Avenue, and it was an attacking start to the game.

Callum Powell went close twice for Kettering, as did Oli Johnson for the visitors.

Luke Rawson then had an effort well saved by Town stopper Rhys Davies, with Jake Hibbs, returning from injury, heading the rebound over.

Ofosu's penalty put Kettering 1-0 up, as he sent new Bradford keeper Johnny Saltmer the wrong way after being brought down himself by Johnson.

Luke Ward almost immediately doubled the hosts' advantage, but his volley struck the crossbar.

Luca Havern should have levelled, but he glanced Hibbs' free-kick wide from a great position.

Things were much quieter after the break, but they exploded into life in the last 10 minutes.

Mitch Lund smashed the ball over Kettering's bar from close range, before Avenue went even closer moments later.

Johnson saw an effort cleared off the line, before Francis' header crashed against the crossbar.

Seven minutes were then added on, and in the sixth of those, Bradford's Mark Ross put in a cross that was deflected agonisingly on to the crossbar for the visitors' final chance.

Avenue's neighbours Guiseley also lost, going down 4-2 at home to title favourites Fylde, but Farsley Celtic picked up an excellent three points, winning 1-0 at Hereford.