21/22 Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue)

The Lions return to Nethermoor on Tuesday for the first festive fixture of 2021 as Bradford (Park Avenue) visit LS20 for a 3pm kick-off in what is our final game of the year. 

Match sponsored by: Jeff Hollings | Match Ball sponsors: Redcape Ltd

Tickets for can be purchased online in advance here, tickets will also be on sale on the day at the turnstiles with payment by cash only, it is also cash payments only inside the ground for programmes, food and drink and 50/50 cash draw tickets. The clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.

After our Boxing Day trip to Farsley Celtic was postponed The Lions will be looking to build on the confidence boosting victory at AFC Telford United four days before Christmas which gave a five point buffer from the drop zone.

Josh Stones headed in his first senior goal to earn his side a big three points and he will be looking for more after an electric start for the Young Lions this campaign.

Bradford (Park Avenue) also saw their Boxing Day game postponed and come into the fixture without a win in 90 minutes since 6th November when they also beat Telford. They have however drawn with Spennymoor and Leamington in that time and also have a penalty shoot out victory over Marine in the Buildbase FA Trophy.

Mark Bower and Danny Boshell hold the reins at BPA and have four familiar former Lions in their squad in Oli Johnson, Ryan Toulson, Nicky Clee and George Sykes-Kenworthy.

The Lions have also been boosted by the return of Andy Kellett from a long term injury but Jordan Thewlis still has one game to serve of his three match suspension following the postponement of trips to Chesterfield and Farsley Celtic.

Academy graduates Ollie Brown, Stones and Adam Haw could all be in line to feature heavily over the festive period.

Speaking after the win at Telford Joint Manager Marcus Bignot said “The most important thing was the result tonight, for us to go on and win it we are absolutely delighted. A good performance in large parts of the game but there are still areas we need to improve in.”

“I am delighted for young Josh Stones, he showed great character and confidence after a good save from the keeper on a one on one but he came back from it.”

“There is no question about our teams being the hardest working, on the front foot and aggressive. It is the bare minimum, they do it in abundance and Josh typified that. Where we are going is we want to control games and dominate possession, we are putting on an extra layer now of where we are and it is pleasing.”

“In some games the performances have been there but we have just been short of those last little moments. Andy Kellett is the other side of the spectrum for us, he is an on the ball player and his natural ability is there for all to see and we have missed that, he is a player and it is really important we keep him fit. It is another massive positive to have him back.”

Looking ahead to the festive games Bignot said “I don’t think there will be a points target, it is a time to recover eat well, sleep well and see some loved ones. We go into these games with a lot more confidence, a clean sheet for Owen which is his first for us.”

Tickets for the game with Bradford (Park Avenue) can be purchased at the turnstiles on the day with cash payment only or online in advance here.

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