Alex Birch (words) & David Airey (pics) at the Horsfall
THE Magpies continued their unbeaten streak on the road but had to settle for a point despite a positive display against Bradford (Park Avenue).
The visitors completely dominated the first half; Jon Ustabaşı setting the tone early on with a low shot that George Sykes-Kenworthy did well to save.
That was followed Harvey Smith heading straight at the Avenue goalie from a corner, Ollie Shenton seeing two efforts blocked, Adam Blakeman trying an audacious 70-yard lob and Billy Whitehouse whistling an effort inches wide with Sykes-Kenworthy beaten.
Right on half time Adam Henley smacked the post with an overhit cross, as the Magpies continued to force the issue against a stubborn Avenue backline.
The opportunities and domination continued into the second half. Jack Sampson headed a Blakeman corner just over and Shenton had another attempt blocked. Followed by Hall and Blakeman forcing two saves out of Sykes-Kenworthy in quick succession.
Henley was the next Magpie to try his luck after Sampson and Hall combined to set the right back up. The result was the same, however, as Sykes-Kenworthy flapped a hand at the effort to knock it behind.
The home side rallied a little towards the end with subs Eddie Church and Brad Dockerty providing a slight spark, but the final good chance still fell to the Magpies. Sub Louis Britton on his debut firing straight at Sykes-Kenworthy as Avenue hung on for a share of the points.
Bradford (PA) Sykes-Kenworthy; Odunston, Adewoju, Lancaster, Havern (c) (Church, 85′), Fielding, Maroodza (Hopper, 61′), Richman, Blyth, Preston (Dockerty, 74′), Longbottom. Subs not used: Hall, Johnson.
Chorley Urwin (c); Henley, Smith, Wilson, Whitehouse (Johnson, 76′), Calveley, Sampson (Britton, 80′), Ustabaşı, Shenton (Tomlinson, 73′), Blakeman, Hall. Subs not used: Leather, Nolan.
We played a very attacking lineup, created some good opportunities and just couldn’t break Bradford down. It was a good, positive performance and another point away from home – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) None | None
Cautions Maroodza 59′, Fielding 71′ | None
Dismissals None | None
Crowd 491
Officials Jamie O’Connor | Paul Mosley & Kirk Freeth
Next Up
We return home for a rearranged clash with AFC Telford United on Tuesday (7:45pm) – £15 adults | £12 concessions | £7 17-20s | £5 12-16s | FREE accompanied u12s (buy online here).
