BRADFORD (Park Avenue) picked up their eighth win of the season with a 1-0 home victory over Stafford Rangers in the Northern Premier League Premier Division on Saturday, writes Ella Baldwin.

Jordan Preston scored from the penalty spot to hand Park Avenue victory in a tight game. Despite the win, Bradford are still in the relegation zone, albeit on goal difference.

Avenue had their first chance on 15 minutes as Chinedu Osadebe headed wide.

A minute later, Odasebe went close again when he went wide from Mason O’Malley’s free-kick, before the forward saw a chance four minutes later when one-on-on with goalkeeper Cameron Belford who had to be on his toes to send the ball out for a corner.

Bradford had a great chance again just before the 30th minute mark with Jordan Preston pashing the ball to Harry Colville who scuffed his shot wide.

With the game scoreless going into the break, Rangers’ Sean Cooke saw a free-kick pinballed around the box and ultimately put out for a corner.

Less than 10 minutes later, Jak Whiting had a header which went just past the post.

With a hour gone, a Cooke free-kick fell to Tyreece Onyeka who was unable to keep his shot down.

The breakthrough came for Bradford five minutes later when Preston struck from the spot, and Bradford had to be at their defensive best to keep Stafford at bay.

The dangerous Cooke went close at the death when Kieran Flavell tipped over his free-kick.

Next weekend, Avenue return to the Horsfall where they take on opponents Warrington Rylands. They currently sit fifth in the table, but a win would take them into second. In the return fixture Avenue, won 3-2 with goals from Harrison Hopper, Edy Maieco and Chinedu Osadebe.