Retford United 0 Avenue 2

Bradford Park Avenue lost the UniBond League Chairman's Cup final tonight, with home advantage proving crucial.

It was billed as a battle of the divisions, with Bradford's UniBond Division One North champions taking on the title-winners of Division One South.

The Nottingham outfit added another cup to their trophy cabinet but only after a very close contest.

The first quarter of the game was controlled by the home side. During that spell of dominance they earned themselves a two-goal advantage and held onto it.

Retford took the lead after just four minutes when a ball over the back four had Avenue's centre back Paul Stoneman chasing a lost cause. A quick one-two saw Mick Goddard racing in on goal and he lobbed the ball into the back of the net.

In the 20th minute, Ollie Chappell rifled an angled shot in from the corner of the area, giving Avenue keeper Jon Worsnop no chance. It was a goal worthy of winning a cup final.

Avenue did have half-chances in the first half, Mark Bett, Danny Warner and Paul Gedman all going close. However, the visitors did not really come into their own until after the break.

Avenue bossed possession in the second half but without creating too many clear-cut chances.

They move on now to take on Fleetwood Town, the Premier Division champions, on Saturday with another trophy at stake, the Peter Swailes Memorial Shield.