BRADFORD (Park Avenue) ended their pre-season with a narrow defeat to neighbours Guiseley, thanks to a late headed goal from a trialist.

Avenue kick off their 2022/23 National League North campaign this Saturday against King’s Lynn Town, but first had to challenge recently-relegated Guiseley over the weekend, who now play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Mark Bower’s side took the lead at the Horsfall Stadium just a minute in thanks to midfielder Jamie Spencer, who joined the Green Army from Guiseley in pre-season.

Spencer latched on to a loose ball before finishing past Kyle Trennery, granting Bradford an early lead in West Yorkshire.

Trennery was quick to make amends for conceding, making multiple excellent stops from chances for Eddie Church and Jacob Blyth.

Nathaniel Crofts was causing mayhem for Avenue, as the Lions winger fired several efforts at George Sykes-Kenworthy, before Jake Cassidy smashed a rebounded effort over the bar.

On the stroke of half-time, winger Donald Chimalilo thought he’d given Guiseley their equaliser, but his header flashed narrowly wide of the target.

Guiseley’s ‘Trialist B’ came within inches of netting in the second half, as his looping header was scrambled off of the line in a mix of bodies.

And with just over 10 minutes left, the Lions pressure was finally rewarded, as a different trialist cut in behind the Avenue defence before hammering an effort into the roof of Sykes-Kenworthy’s net.

Danny Ellis’ side weren’t done either, and with time running out, Guiseley snatched a deserved lead.

Trailist B heading home a pinpoint Jameel Ible cross to ensure Bradford’s pre-season ended on a slightly disappointing note.

Guiseley do not get underway in the league until August 13, so they continue their pre-season by welcoming Fleetwood Town’s Under-23’s team to Nethermoor this coming weekend.